Washington Wizards point guard John Wall gave his view about the Kyrie Irving saga in Cleveland after the Cavaliers guard asked the team for a trade. In a press conference where his new contract was announced, Wall said he was surprised that Irving demanded a trade, which happened on the same day that the Wizards point guard agreed to the terms of a four-year supermax deal worth $170 million.
According to Wall, if he’s in a situation like the Cavs where they went to three straight NBA finals appearances, he would not leave the team. However, Wall clarified that he’s not aware of the full story or what type of relationship the Cavs have behind closed doors.
Wall understands that playing alongside a guy like LeBron James, everyone will play second fiddle to him. Irving, in his trade demand to the Cavaliers, said he’s tired of playing the No. 2 role behind James. “It's kind of tough when you're always in the shadow of somebody else. That's something he probably got tired of,” Wall said of Irving’s situation with the Cavaliers.
Wall signed $170 million deal with Wizards
Last season, the 26-year-old Wall averaged a career-high 23.1 points, 10.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game as the Wizards notched the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 mark, their highest winning total since the 1978-79 season. They defeated the Atlanta Hawks in the first round in six games but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games.
Wall became the second player in NBA history to tally at least 25 points and 10 assists while suiting up for least 10 games in a single playoff season. Wall’s career performance earned him a spot in the All-NBA third team. A first overall pick by the Wizards in the 2010 Draft, the maximum contract extension will keep Wall in Washington through the prime of his career.
Wall took time in signing extension
The Wizards waited anxiously as Wall took his time to sign the maximum contract extension, which they offered in June. However, Wall told the team that he will take some time to study his options before signing it. There were rumors that Wall will join James, DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.Reports have it that Cousins and Wall plan to play together at some point in their careers. However, Wall proved rumors wrong when he signed the deal with the Wizards. The value of the contract extension will begin after Wall's existing five-year deal expires in 2019.
