Much like at the trade deadline, Kemba Walker will be at the center of a number of trade rumors this offseason.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, “NBA executives expect Kemba’s name to be floating around the rumor mill again this summer.” Considering that he was the topic of conversation at the trade deadline this year, those trade talks and rumors will only continue to heat up this offseason. Even if Michael Jordan isn’t looking to trade Walker, other teams will be calling the Charlotte Hornets.
The two-time all-star recently expressed his frustrations with not making the playoffs. Although Kemba stated that he wants to make a deep postseason run with Charlotte, the fact of the matter is that it is not up to him whether he stays or leaves. The Hornets’ new GM will likely determine Walker’s fate.
With Kemba in the prime of his career and on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the entire NBA, it’s easy to see why he is such an intriguing trade option for a number of contending teams. The Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers were all reportedly interested in making a deal for Walker at the trade deadline. Other teams are expected to express interest in the point guard this summer.
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The 27-year old will be an unrestricted free agent when his contract runs out at the end of the 2018-19 campaign. That means that teams will be less likely to give up a big haul of assets for a potential one-year rental. It could also mean that Charlotte would be more willing to move Kemba so that they avoid potentially losing him for nothing at the end of next season.
Even if Michael Jordan said that he would only move Walker for a superstar like Kawhi Leonard, the rumors surrounding the franchise’s all-time leading scorer will continue to be there. If a team comes forward with a massive offer for Kemba this summer, Charlotte will have a very tough decision to make.
Ultimately, I think it will be up to the direction that the next GM chooses for the Hornets. If they want to compete right away, keeping Walker is the plan of action but if they want to rebuild, then trading him would be the way to go.
A trade involving Kemba will likely include Charlotte packaging a long-term contract like Nicolas Batum or Marvin Williams to help create cap space. Ideally, the Hornets would probably like a promising young prospect and/or a first-round pick in return.
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It will definitely be an interesting offseason for the Charlotte Hornets and Kemba Walker as the summer will likely be filled with trade rumors and speculation. It would be nothing short of a blockbuster move if the all-star point guard is dealt.