You can expect the Dallas Mavericks to target Charlotte Hornets star guard Kemba Walker when he hits free agency over the summer.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker has been loyal to the city of Charlotte during his eight year NBA career, but could end up elsewhere when he becomes an unrestricted free agent for the first time of his career in July.
The Hornets will, of course, want to keep Walker around, but they will have heavy competition from multiple NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer, Walker is the Mavericks top free agent target this summer. Dallas will be an attractive destinations for free agents with a strong front office and rising superstar in Luke Doncic.
Prior to the NBA’s trade deadline, the Mavericks had reportedly inquired about Walker, but were obviously turned down, as the Hornets had decided to keep their star point guard.
Charlotte Hornets rumors: Mavericks inquire about Kemba Walker
Over the past few weeks, the Dallas Mavericks have shown interest in trading for Charlotte Hornets star guard Kemba Walker.
We are nearly done with the regular season, and the Hornets are fighting for a playoff spot. The rumors regarding Walker’s impending free agency are only going to strengthen.
Just last week, rumors began to swirl around that Walker is “more likely” to leave the Hornets in free agency.
Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Kemba Walker “more likely” to leave in free agency
Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker will be a free agent after this season, and could very well be headed elsewhere during the off-season.
Obviously, a Walker departure would hurt the franchise tremendously and would put the Hornets into a major rebuild. He’s going to have plenty of suitors, so the Hornets are going to have to increase their efforts in trying to keep him in Buzz City.
Walker is having the best season of his career for the Hornets, averaging an incredible 25.1 points, 5.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds. He was named an All-Star starter, and even had a 60 point game against the 76ers earlier this season.
He has cemented himself as one of the top point guards in this league with his play this season. The Mavericks are in need of a point guard to pair with Luka Doncic, and Walker could be their guy.
Dallas will have the cap space to go after him, and you can’t deny that the future is insanely bright with the likes of Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, as well as Rick Carlisle, who is one of the better coaches in the NBA.
I do wonder how he would fit next to Doncic, being that they both need the ball in their hands to be effective, but I’m sure it’s something that they could work out. Adding Walker would instantly put the Mavericks in the playoff picture for the 2019-20 season.
Other teams that I expect to pursue Walker in free agency are the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs.
Winning will almost certainly come into play during Walker’s free agency decision. He has only made the playoffs twice during his eight year career, but perhaps getting into the playoffs this year could help the Hornets chances of retaining the star guard.
Free agency is going to be a stressful time for Charlotte Hornets fans, but at least it will determine the direction of the franchise. If they re-sign Walker, they’re all-in on winning right now. If Walker leaves, it’s rebuilding time.
July 1st can’t come soon enough.