Charlotte Hornets Round-Table: 7 questions regarding Kemba Walker’s free agency

Does loyalty count in keeping the two parties together?

Zachary: I briefly touched on this just a moment ago, but I do think that loyalty matters somewhat. Walker loves Charlotte. He grew up here, became a man here and has given it his all every single night here. Walker also wants to win and be on a perennial playoff team, and it’s clear that Charlotte isn’t his best option when it comes to winning. I think he’ll have a hard time leaving Charlotte, simply because of the relationship that has been built, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he strongly considers joining a legit playoff team.

Caleb: Loyalty counts for a lot in life and in this case, basketball. A max deal of $200 million for Kemba is every bit deserving for the blood sweat and tears that Kemba has offered this franchise. Kemba can look at the loyalty one of two ways:

● Kemba has been loyal for eight years. Eight long years. He could be so fed up with the Hornets at this point that a new team with more star power must sound very enticing, even if he isn’t paid as much.

● Eight seasons with Charlotte and Kemba has accomplished a lot. He may want to stay loyal to his franchise and city and make his career with Charlotte worth even more by staying committed to them and accomplishing even more. He has to feel like his job with Charlotte isn’t over yet when there is still so much to be done, like get to the Eastern Conference Finals. (CHA is one of the four teams that have failed to play in a conference final series.)

Elijah: It certainly does and I think that the Hornets should do their best to remain loyal to Kemba. He’s given Charlotte fans the one bright spot for which they could cheer ever since he came here. It’s not going to be easy, though, but I feel like most fans want the Hornets to do whatever they can to keep him.

Filippo: Yes, it is a factor. But there are a lot of other factors that come up in situations like this one. The management should deal with a lot of elements, related to loyalty and cap. The league showed that loyalty is not always part of the negotiation, but a small market like ours, should show how much it counts.

Vincent: I believe loyalty does count because everyone knows that Walker is just one of those kind of players who sticks with his team. The question of loyalty would have to go on the Hornets’ front office. Kupchak has stated that he wants to work with Walker and find out how to keep him. I suggest if Kupchak wants to stay on the fan bases’ good side, he needs to re-sign Walker and get him some help.

De: There’s so many things that should keep this partnership together, but the one reason that Kemba should be brought back is because of his loyalty. Dude gave us EIGHT YEARS of progression and heart and became the greatest player we’ve ever had and that he could be. And him stating several times that he wants to stay, him moving his family down here, and him previously resigning for less that he could’ve gotten is more than enough to show that he deserves it.