Kemba Walker was the subject of a Woj Bomb on Friday morning, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the Hornets are open to the idea of moving their standout point guard. While there had been some speculation about Walker becoming a trade candidate with Charlotte struggling, Woj’s report represented the first time the 27-year-old’s availability had been confirmed.
Asked today about that report, Walker acknowledged that he’d seen it, but admitted to reporters that he’d be “pretty upset” if the Hornets dealt him, as AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA Today Sports relays. The former UConn star has spent his first six and a half NBA seasons in Charlotte and said today that he plans to continue putting his “heart and soul” into the team and the city.
“This is where I got my opportunity,” Walker said (video link via The Charlotte Observer). “Seven years in now, I’ve been here for seven years. I do a lot with the community, of course. I’ve gotten to know a lot of the fans. A lot of the fans have a lot of love for me, as well as I’ve got love for them. Of course I’m going to be tied to this place. This is kind of where I’ve grown up. This is definitely home.”
Here’s more on the Walker rumors:
- Head coach Steve Clifford was also asked today about the report on Walker, and he sounded skeptical that the Hornets will move their best player within the next three weeks. “I’ll tell you the same thing I tell the players: Nobody has said anything about it here,” Clifford said of a Walker trade (video link via The Charlotte Observer). “It’s a rumor. … He’s our best player, he’s the face of the franchise, and I think it’d be very difficult to find a scenario where he’d get traded.”
- The Pistons figure to have interest in Walker, with a source telling Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press that Detroit will “certainly look at” the possibility of a deal. However, that same source cautioned that it will ultimately come down to the Hornets‘ asking price.
- Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic examines Walker’s potential fit in Phoenix, exploring whether it would be worthwhile for the Suns to give up major assets for the point guard.
- Scott Fowler is strongly against the idea of the Hornets trading Walker, making his case in a column for The Charlotte Observer.
Henson, Delly, Tele, DJ Wilson, Vaughn and a 2020 first (lottery protected) for Walker, Howard, MCW, JOB, and Stone?
So basically you’re a Bucks fan that wants Walker and Howard for Henson and table scraps?
Bucks are trash
Henson, Tele, Delly, DJ Wilson, Vaughn, a 2019 second and a 2020 lottery protected first for Howard, Walker, MCW, JOB, and Stone
Kemba for Josh Jackson, Ulis, Miami’s first
See unlike Charlie there at least this idea of an offer has value
I think this trade makes complete sense for both sides
Phoenix was unwilling to move the #4 pick when the thought was they might be getting Kyrie Irving back. Unless they already think Jackson is a bust, doubt they move him for Walker.
Hell no. Stupid ass idea.
That’s REEEEEAAAAALLLLLY interesting.
It’s going to take a small mint to pry Walker away from the Hornets. Josh Jackson may be just the guy that could make this palatable.
Interesting for the Hornets maybe. That’s not remotely interesting for the Suns.
C’mon Detroit let’s do this!!! Take on Howards contract if we have to. Deeeeetroiiit Bas Ket Ball!
The Spurs could be another team in the mix… TP is definitely not the player he once was and they need more offensive production if Kawhi’s injury history starts to get concerning
The Magic.
Love him to the sixers but don’t think they have enough to give. Possibly not a lottery pick anymore and they would need to move either Amir or jj to take Kemba AND salary dump.
Kemba is perfect fit on pistons