Swarm and Sting
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Why the Charlotte Hornets should NOT trade Kemba Walker

By Noah Driver

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 3: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on April 3, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 3: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on April 3, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 1: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball while guarded by Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets on February 1, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 1: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball while guarded by Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets on February 1, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Some context to remember about Kemba:

-He’s under contract at the super-valuable rate of 12 million dollars for the 2018-19 season, but he’s unrestricted after that and will probably be paid a max salary.

-He’s 28 years old, and shorter guards are notorious for earlier and shorter peaks than other positions.

-Even in the NBA, a league full of hyper-competitive guys with super-high work ethics, Walker is known for his desire to get better and to compete at the highest level. Most consider him to be an incredible leadership/locker room asset as well.

Let’s start with the teams who absolutely don’t need Kemba, which is a surprisingly large percentage of the league:

Atlanta Hawks: Drafted Trae Young.

Boston Celtics: Kyrie.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Drafted Sexton.

Dallas Mavericks: Developing Dennis Smith Jr.

Denver Nuggets: You could argue they don’t have a PG, but they have Jamal Murray and Gary Harris.

Golden State Warriors: uh…

Houston Rockets: Have the Point God.

L.A. Clippers: Drafted SGA.

L.A. Lakers: Developing Lonzo (for now).

Memphis Grizzlies: Riding into the sunset with Conley.

Miami Heat: Dragic is probably near as good as Kemba if a bit older.

OKC Thunder: Russ.

Philadelphia 76ers: Simmons and Fultz (?).

Portland Trail Blazers: Dame Time.

Sacramento Kings: Developing SwipaTheFox.

Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry.

Utah Jazz: Rubio (don’t laugh–re-watch his series against OKC).

Washington Wizards: Wall. Plus, too much love in that locker room. Can’t break it up.

That’s 18 teams right off the bat.

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