Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Celtics could be threat to sign Kemba Walker
The Boston Celtics may be targeting Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker as their next starting point guard as free agency quickly approaches.
We are just five days away from NBA Free Agency. Yes, five days… Can you believe that? Time flies. The Charlotte Hornets are hoping to retain their franchise star Kemba Walker, but teams continue to emerge as threats in his upcoming free agency. The latest team — the Boston Celtics.
According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Celtics are a “stealth suitor” for Kemba Walker. Stein is one of the best in the business at his job, so you best believe that this report is accurate.
Throughout the past month or so, we’ve also heard about teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks being interested in his services. He will be highly coveted by many teams in free agency and will get a max contract regardless of where he ends up.
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The Hornets can offer him a five-year, $221 million supermax contract, but Walker has stated that he is open to the idea of taking less than that in order for the Hornets to add more pieces around him. He’s one of the more loyal guys in the league, but you have to wonder if one of these prestigious franchises can figure out a way to lure him out of Charlotte.
Walker is a game changer for any franchise. With the Celtics expected to lose Kyrie Irving in free agency, Walker would be the best replacement that they can get, on the free agency market at least. They have been clearing cap space in order to make a run at a significant free agent.
During the 2018-19 season, Walker averaged a career-high 25.6 points, to go with 4.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He played in all 82 games for the Hornets, and nearly led them to the playoffs
One thing is for certain, Kemba Walker is a better leader than Kyrie Irving, and I think that is one reason why the Celtics have interest in the 3x All-Star. Irving was very public all season long about his dissatisfaction with the teams young players and overall performance, constantly making comments to the media.
Walker is the definition of a true professional, always carrying himself with class and respect. Irving is a top player in this league and a future Hall of Famer, but many around the league took not of his lack of professionalism this past season in Boston.
Next. Frank Kaminsky on Phoenix Suns radar. dark
Free Agency begins on June 30th at 6:00 PM ET. Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets will be one of the bigger storylines during the Free Agency period. Here’s hoping that the Hornets can re-sign him, because he is going to generate a lot of interest from other teams who are in more appealing situations.