The Charlotte Hornets’ star has been at the center of recent trade rumors but a trade involving Kemba Walker is unlikely to happen this season.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, a trade involving Kemba Walker seems unlikely. The Charlotte Hornets‘ point guard has been involved in a number of trade rumors this year. His great play and the team’s poor record have only emphasized the speculation surrounding the all-star.
Kyler stated that “League sources at the G-League Showcase last week, doubted that any traction could be had on Walker while admitting he’s a name to watch, despite however unlikely a trade seemed today.” This doesn’t mean that a trade involving Walker won’t happen or couldn’t happen but that it isn’t probable.
To me, this says that Charlotte isn’t actively shopping Kemba and teams that have inquired about the Bronx-native, haven’t gotten far in their trade talks. Unless a potential suitor comes forward with a substantial offer, I’d expect for the Hornets to hold onto their star player.
More from Swarm and Sting
- Hornets: Where does Brandon Miller’s ceiling rank among other rookies?
- Charlotte Hornets grade out mostly average in position-by-position ranking
- Hornets News: P.J. Washington makes bold statement on Brandon Miller
- Grade the mock trade: Hornets snag Tyler Herro, flip Gordon Hayward
- Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?
The 27-year old is averaging 21.7 points per game, 5.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals so far this season. He’s also managed to shoot 42.5% from the field, 34.5% from three and 84.9% from the free throw line. Not only does Kemba lead the team in scoring but he also leads them in steals, assists, field goals made, three’s made and free throws made.
He has by far been Charlotte’s best player for the past few years and is well on his way to his second straight all-star game appearance but with the team’s future salary cap situation and Walker’s deal ending after next season, it’s easy to see why the rumors began.
Trading Kemba would likely mean that the Hornets were going in the direction of a full rebuild which the team has been trying to avoid.
Kyler also tweeted that “At this point I was told odds of a Kemba trade so low not worth speculating. He is eligible for a Max extension this summer. Thats when Hornets make a decision.”
Walker has already addressed the trade rumors and expressed his commitment to the Hornets and the city of Charlotte. Head coach Steve Clifford said that he expects Kemba to stay with the team as well. (Twitter/ @RickBonnell)
Next: Hornets' mid-season report card grades
Although a deal is unlikely, the rumors will continue and Kemba Walker is still one of the biggest names potentially available on the trade market. I would be surprised if a move was made before the February 8th trade deadline.