John Wall will enter the 2021-2022 NBA season a top-5 paid player

Former Kentucky Wildcats star John Wall is getting absolutely paid next season.

He’s set to be one of just six players to make over $40 million in the season. The other five are Stephen Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. The six on in that order with Wall sliding in between Harden and Westbrook.

Wall hasn’t produced like a top-six player in recent years, but it’s tough to put that entirely on him. Injuries have hampered his career since signing one of the biggest contracts in NBA history.

He initially signed the four-year contract extension on July 26, 2017. It was worth $170 million. He’s set to make $44.3 million this season and then has a player option for over $47 million next season which he’ll undoubtedly accept.

Prior to his injuries setting in, Wall was an elite point guard, recording three straight double-double seasons and five straight All-Star appearances.

In his best season, Wall averaged 23.1 points and 10.7 assists per game. Following his last All-Star appearance, Wall struggled to be the same player. He’s played in 72 games in the past three seasons combined.

Despite not playing for an entire season, Wall still produced when he did manage to get on the court, averaging over 20 points per game with the Houston Rockets after being traded for Westbrook.

Wall, for a couple of months, teamed up with former Wildcats star DeMarcus Cousins.

Now, he’ll be tasked with captaining a young roster led by No. 2 overall pick small forward Jalen Green. Center Christian Wood is also expected to play a large role for the Rockets this upcoming season.

Those two and Wall will spearhead the Rockets, a team that will have low expectations this coming season.