While Kemba Walker isn’t quite the headliner that Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard are in the world of NBA free agency, the All-Star point guard is in high demand as he hits the market. Given the built-in monetary and “hometown” advantages of the Charlotte Hornets, many expected Walker to stay put but, in recent days, the chatter has increased in volume. On Thursday morning, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Walker and the Hornets have “sizable gaps” in their contract negotiations.
All-Star Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets have sizable gaps and stalemate in talks so far, opening pathway for competitors in Boston, New York and Dallas, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2019
Just moments later, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski unearthed a bombshell, reporting that the Boston Celtics are now in the driver’s seat to sign Walker in the coming days.
The Boston Celtics have emerged as the frontrunner to sign Charlotte All-Star guard Kemba Walker once free agency opens Sunday at 6 PM ET, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 27, 2019
Rumblings of a potential Walker-to-Boston partnership came to light earlier in the week but this is a different level in the reporting. With Kyrie Irving and Al Horford expected to walk in free agency, the Celtics have some unforeseen salary cap flexibility in which to pursue Walker. However, Boston only faces $24.9 million in projected cap room and, with Walker likely commanding a maximum salary in excess of $32 million in the first year, the Celtics could be forced to renounce Terry Rozier and his $9.1 million cap hold to make room for a new face at the point guard position.
Walker would fit snugly in Boston, taking the place of Irving as a similar offensive player that can function as a lead play-maker and also provide floor-spacing when other options, including Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum, take on primary responsibilities. While Walker is already 29 years old, his shooting and competitive defense could provide comfort for any team looking to sign him and, in contrast to Charlotte, Boston would be limited to a four-year offer, which actually provides an advantage with all factors considered.
Nothing is final until an agreement comes together, but for now, the buzz points to the Celtics simply reloading at the point guard position and doing it in the form of another All-Star.
