John Wall opened up about his infamous departure from the Washington Wizards in 2020 and what emotions were running through his head.
Earlier this year, John Wall decided to end his career after 15 years. The former #1 overall pick had struggled to find a team after numerous injury issues.
Fans were dismayed to see John Wall retire, as he was one of the most exciting NBA players during the peak of his prime.
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Across his career, Wall had some amazing moments and highlights, most of which came during his time with the Washington Wizards.
However, when the franchise abruptly traded him for Russell Westbrook, his tenure with his first team ended in heartbreak.
John Wall says Washington Wizards trade broke his heart
John Wall appeared on Ryan Clarke’s podcast to discuss his career. When looking back on the 2020 trade that sent him out of the Washington Wizards, Wall spoke honestly.
Wall was heartbroken that the Wizards traded him abruptly, especially as he was out for over two years at the time with a serious injury, and just wanted a chance to play in front of the Wizards fans once again.
“I’m not perfect. So I look back, and I think 50% of it was me. The other 50%, I was like, ‘Damn! Why this?
True or False: John Wall would have won an MVP if he didn’t get injured 🏆
John Wall was a problem on the Washington Wizards!
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“‘At least let me get one year back here and then trade me if you want. Let me get the moment of playing in front of these fans in a Wizards jersey!’
“That’s one thing I wish I had the opportunity to do. That didn’t happen. But that’s really it. Outside of that, I’m owning up to what I did and the mistakes I made – at first, you don’t want to deal with it.
“The most hurtful part was… This is a city where I want to play for one team, win a title, win a championship here. I shocked a lot of people when I went to the arena to say goodbye to everybody.
“It was hard as hell. DC is all I’ve known since a kid, to be raised here… I’ve played through every injury that I probably shouldn’t have played through. I gave everything I had… “
John Wall’s career never recovered after Washington Wizards trade
The Washington Wizards traded John Wall to the Houston Rockets in 2020. The Rockets made the move to keep James Harden happy and provide him with a new backcourt partner.
However, the pairing would last just two months, as Harden forced his way out of the Rockets and earned himself a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
Eventually, Wall would agree to a buyout with the Rockets and join the LA Clippers in 2022. But in a cruel twist of fate, the Clippers traded Wall back to the Rockets just eight months later.
The Rockets waived him just three days later, and that would spell the end of his career. After three years of trying to return to the NBA, Wall retired in August of 2025.
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