Elliot C. Williams
On Wednesday, the Washington Wizards announced that they agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets, trading John Wall and a lottery-protected, future first-round draft pick for former MVP Russell Westbrook.
Both star guards reportedly wanted to be traded, and the teams agreed to it in hopes that it will convince both of their leading shooting guards — the Wizards’ Bradley Beal and Houston’s James Harden — to stay put, ESPN reports. In mid-November, The Athletic reported that Westbrook was “uneasy about the team’s accountability and culture” and wanted to join a team where he could have a more prominent role.
Here in Washington, though, locals are reacting in many ways to the news of losing 30-year-old Wall, who was once considered to be among the best guards in the league.
Despite a history of injuries and a torn Achilles that left him sidelined for an entire season, reports from his offseason workouts hint at a possible return to his true form. On Thursday, Wall shared a heartfelt goodbye to D.C. in a statement on Twitter. Below are some reactions from locals on social media.
On his D.C. fanbase:
I feel for Wizards fans.
John Wall has been in DC for 10 years and I’m not sure people outside of town realize how much the fan base loves him. I know he’s been hurt. I know he’s on a max deal. But I’m also certain people in DC are feeling lots of stuff right now
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 3, 2020
Y’all gotta understand… We LOVE John Wall in DC. LOVE HIM.
End of an era, for real. I am sick.
— Gia Peppers ❤️ (@GiaPeppers) December 3, 2020
The love DC had for John Wall far exceeded any that he received on a national NBA level Not many stars embrace a place, connect with it & represent it the way he did. He didn't win a championship in his 10 years but he won over hearts. This breakup will be hard for many to accept
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) December 3, 2020
Many of our conversations had nothing to do with basketball. This next journey will motivate you to new heights. I thank you for allowing me for 10 years to tell your story. What you did for this community WILL NEVER be forgotten. @JohnWall is a really one. Respect ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/eAMUBsDqbw
— Chris Miller 🎥🎙🏀 (@CMillsPXP) December 3, 2020
Had to put some of my thoughts on Wall and the Wizards on to paper because of what he's done for this city and I can't see my man go out like this:
John Wall Deserves More Than a Messy Breakup With the Wizardshttps://t.co/FkNrTdG8e3
— Ser Troy Haliburton (@TroyHalibur) November 25, 2020
On Wall’s affinity for RoseBar Lounge:
https://twitter.com/paulycristo/status/1334302966233362434
On the ways he gave back to the D.C. community:
John Wall did more in DC then party at Rose Bar. He helped families in need for years in the area & did it without bragging for recognition. Good luck in Houston
— Vernie Mack (@VernieMack) December 3, 2020
One thing I’ll always respect @JohnWall for is that he did a ton of really good things for the community here in DC over the years that never made national headlines. Buddy helped keep roofs over a ton of people’s heads in DC this year during the pandemic.
— Justin Tinsley (@JustinTinsley) December 3, 2020
Sad to see John Wall go. Great player who did a lot for the community. Nothing but good wishes for that dude as he starts the next phase of his career. #RepTheDistrict
— The Anonymous Nobody (@el_budget) December 3, 2020
Thanks John, for all the memories and your loyalty to the wizards. Good luck in Houston brother
— Lennard (@ArubaLennard) December 3, 2020
On the what the trade does for the Wizards’ and Rockets’ rosters:
https://twitter.com/zestyne3/status/1334308783506530305
https://twitter.com/MarcJSpears/status/1334306039320039426
Russ finding out he gets to play with Bradley Beal pic.twitter.com/dvy10shwkV
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 3, 2020
Reactions from the teams:
I am very grateful to @JohnWall and his family for all they have done for our franchise and our community. John was the first player picked in the NBA draft and the first player we were blessed to pick under our new ownership of the @WashWizards a decade ago. https://t.co/CJCdDfQXqn
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) December 3, 2020
2016-17 MVP. 9x NBA All-Star. 9x All-NBA. 2x NBA scoring champion.
Welcome to D.C., @russwest44! pic.twitter.com/To3ULIaGen
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 3, 2020
Welcome to H-Town, @JohnWall!
Give our newest Rocket a follow! pic.twitter.com/OfGFhd9tK7
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 3, 2020
I’m told John Wall arrived at the practice facility this morning to say his final goodbyes to members of the Wizards organization. Wheels up later today to Houston for Wall to meet his new teammates.
— Chris Miller 🎥🎙🏀 (@CMillsPXP) December 3, 2020
Thank you for everything, @JohnWall ❤️ pic.twitter.com/I0D0nrZAZF
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 3, 2020
Jenny Gathright and Matt Blitz contributed to this story. This story was updated with a statement from John Wall.
