Charlotte Hornets make Kemba Walker available on the trade market
The Charlotte Hornets have made Kemba Walker available in trade talks and are looking to rebuild by moving larger contracts.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Charlotte Hornets have put Kemba Walker on the trade block. The team is looking to package their all-star point guard in a larger deal that would let them offload some of the larger contracts on the roster. Woj added that “Charlotte has been encouraging teams to make offers and appear eager to discuss” a potential deal involving Kemba.
The Hornets have already tried to trade Nicolas Batum, Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this season but their contracts are “unattractive” on the trade market. It’s safe to say that the franchise is having a fire sale and looking to hit the reset button.
Charlotte’s “hopeful” that including Kemba in a trade will be enough to get them a good, young player or a first-round pick in return. Trading Walker would all but guarantee a complete rebuild for the Hornets.
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Kemba leads the Hornets in scoring (21.7 PPG), assists (5.8 APG) and steals (1.2 SPG). The 27-year old is also shooting 42.4% from the field, 34.9% from three, 85.1% from the free throw line and well on his way to his second consecutive all-star game appearance. Walker is second in team history in scoring and ranks first or second in just about every other major category.
If the Hornets move the former lottery selection, it will come with some backlash from the fans.
Kemba has already expressed his commitment to the team and to the city saying that “I don’t know what will happen. I’m here for now and hopefully, for an even longer time.” He also stated that “I would definitely be devastated if I was to get traded.” (Twitter/ @DanFeldmanNBA)
Steve Clifford addressed the trade rumors as well and said that “I’d be shocked if he didn’t want to be here. I mean…he’s building a house here right now….I’ve been around long enough to know you never say never, but I just can’t see a scenario where that plays out.”
Next: Determining Nic Batum's trade value
It sounds like we’ll have to take a wait and see approach leading up to the NBA trade deadline which is on February 8th. While Kemba Walker is on the trade market, a team will still have to come forward with a substantial offer and take on a massive contract in order for a deal to be completed. If a trade is made, the Charlotte Hornets will be in rebuilding mode.