In the 2020-21 season, Russell Westbrook joined the Washington Wizards in exchange for a former All-Star. As a result of this trade, the former All-Star had to join the-then franchise of Russ, the Houston Rockets. However, initially, Russ had faced rejection in his DMs when he informed the former All-Star about the trade. Recently, the former All-Star shared the story of initially rejecting the now-Lakers star’s trade request.

The former All-Star who rejected Russ’ trade request was none other than the Los Angeles Clippers’ veteran, John Wall. Wall eventually joined the Rockets after spending 10 seasons with the Wizards. However, initially, he was against the trade and even rejected the Lakers guard.

John Wall shared how he initially rejected Russell Westbrook’s trade request

In one of the recent episodes of the Tidal League podcast, Wall shared how he originally rejected the trade request made by Westbrook in his DMs. The five-time All-Star started off by saying how once Westbrook dm’d Wall. Subsequently, he added, “I know Russ. Me and Russ cool, say what’s up to each other if I see you, but a lot of people you just don’t have they number. Like, I got respect for you, but I just don’t got that relationship.”

The 32-year-old continued, “So, he DM’s me like, ‘yo, what’s your number?’ I’m like, ‘f**k you mean, what’s my number?’ He texts me like, ‘yo, DC wants to get me, but they said you don’t want to leave’. I’m like, ‘f**k no, ni**a, been here for ten years. This my franchise. Why would I want to leave?'”

Eventually, Wall left Washington and the Wizards acquired Westbrook. However, when the Wizards announced the five-time All-Star’s departure there were a lot of broken hearts as Wall was one of their cornerstone players.

How did both superstars perform after being traded?

Wall didn’t play much with the Rockets as the franchise reached a mutual agreement to not play him for the whole 2021-22 season which ultimately ended up with him joining the Clippers. However, in that short span of time, the five-time All-Star played 40 games and managed to average around 20.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.

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On the other hand, Westbrook played for only one season with the Wizards before joining the Lakers. In that short period, the nine-time All-Star had one of his best seasons, averaging 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists. Both superstars seemingly performed quite well in their respective franchises with Westbrook slightly outperforming Wall stat-wise.

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Do you think the trade was beneficial for both teams? Let us know in the comments below.