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Hornets Rumors: Could Kemba Walker Return To Charlotte?

By Trejan Rowbotham

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 16: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks looks out during game against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2022 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 16: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks looks out during game against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2022 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets have their star point guard of the future. LaMelo Ball has proven in his first two seasons that he is the real deal and worthy of the hype that has followed him since high school. However, the Hornets’ greatest point guard of all-time may be finding his way back to the open market this offseason. If that is the case, should the Hornets pursue him?

Kemba Walker signed a two-year, $17.9 million contract with the New York Knicks before the 2021-22 season began. Now that he is reportedly done with the franchise citing rocky relationships with coaches and management, Walker has a few options in front of him.

First, he could remain with the Knicks. If New York wants to swallow the remainder of his contract, they could keep him and have him sit out games. This is the least likely option.

Second, he could get traded. Although it would be risky to trade for an aging point guard with banged-up knees, Kemba is still a streaky scorer, who could provide value in a 24-to-26 minute bench role. This could happen.

Third, he could get bought out of his current contract. If Walker and the Knicks are able to negotiate a buy-out, Walker would hit the open market. If this were to happen, the point guard would theoretically field offers from multiple teams and pick his desired destination.

In an ideal world, the Hornets would bring Kemba back. He is the franchise’s greatest player of all-time, and he is comfortable playing in Charlotte. However, this is not the ideal world. In the last two seasons, the Hornets have drafted Ball, signed Gordon Hayward, and developed Miles Bridges.

This means that Walker no longer fits with the direction of the Hornets, which is the prioritizing of young talent. Could he fill in backup guard minutes? Yes, he could, but the Hornets also drafted James Bouknight in 2021 to help fill in backup guard minutes.

Next. Hornets: Gordon Hayward’s Return May Spark A Playoff Run. dark

Overall, it would be a pleasing story to see Cardiac Kemba return to Charlotte, but it is just not a feasible expectation at this point in his career. Perhaps he can sign a one-day contract and retire as a Hornet when the time comes. For now, that is the only way Kemba is likely to return to Charlotte.

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