Report: John Wall to keep sitting as Rockets aren't willing to give him a starting role

Though John Wall apparently is ready to take the court for the Houston Rockets, the two sides are still on different pages as to what his role will be with the team.

So, at least for now, Wall’s holdout will continue.

Wall spoke with Rockets general manager Rafael Stone and others on Sunday, just days after he informed the team that he was ready to play after initially sitting out the entire season while Houston looked for a trade partner.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Wall told the Rockets that he is ready to play and wants to have a starting role. The Rockets, though, want Wall to come off the bench.

With the Rockets not willing to guarantee Wall a starting role, he will reportedly continue to sit out. Wall, per Charania, will remain professional and be engaged with the team.

Rockets yet to find trade partner

Wall and the Rockets agreed in September that he would sit out as the team searches for a trade partner for the five-time All-Star. Wall has dealt with numerous knee issues since his rookie season, and suffered a torn Achilles that kept him out of the entire 2019-20 season.

Wall averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists last season with Houston in 40 games.

Though Wall wants to be traded, he still has a massive contract — something that has made a trade difficult to find. He still has two years and more than $91 million left on his deal, and the Rockets are reportedly not willing to buy him out.

The Rockets are currently just 3-16 so far this season, and went on a brutal 15-game losing streak before winning two straight — including Saturday’s overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets.