Kemba Walker has spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Hornets. But Walker’s future with the organization is murky at best as he heads into his walk year.
The 6’1” point guard has one year and $12MM remaining on his contract before he enters unrestricted free agency for the first time next summer. He recently said he’s intrigued about that prospect.
“I’ve never been a free agent. I don’t know how the process works,” he told the New York Post. “I will have options unless Charlotte gets something done.”
If anything gets done prior to next July, it will likely be a trade. A contract extension isn’t feasible because of Charlotte’s salary-cap restraints. The Hornets are hard-capped and will have make a move or two to avoid being a luxury taxpayer.
The Cavaliers reportedly explored the possibility of trading for Walker early in the summer prior to LeBron James‘ decision to bolt to the West Coast. New York has long been rumored as a potential landing spot for Walker, who grew up in the city. Both the Knicks and Nets might view Walker as an upgrade at that spot.
Walker has increased his offensive output with greater efficiency over the past two years. In 2016/17, he averaged career highs of 23.2 PPG on 44.4% shooting.
His numbers went down slightly last season, as he scored at a 22.1 PPG clip on 43.1% shooting. He’s become an outstanding 3-point shooter over the past three seasons, making 38.6% of his attempts.
Walker will be 29 during the next offseason and should be effective for at least another five seasons.
That brings us to our question of the day: Will Kemba Walker re-sign with the Hornets as a free agent next summer? If not, where do you think he will wind up?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to what you have to say.
I think Kemba will re sign with Charlotte. He wants to be here and wants to win here. They need to make the playoffs though this year to guarantee that he will stay.
Kemba said recently he wants to stay with Charlotte. Says he has unfinished business. He would like to start a winning culture. It’s good to see there are still players who want to play their entire careers with the same team. Steph and Klay is special.
Kemba is a god
link to espn.com
Boom. Resign kemba
Kemba 24 ppg Monk 21 ppg Hornets get 8th seed in East and push Boston to 6 games. Kawhi comes over in free-agency and shocks the basketball world.
What money do they have for him and kemba??
I hope he re signs, is a good player, would be nice for him to follow the steps of Dame wanting to remain always in the same team, though he hasn’t made that as clear as Lillard, as he keeps talking about possibilities in FA next year.
I think if after 7 years he hasn’t build a winning mentality in Charlotte, it ain’t gonna happen, his best years are more behind than ahead. Maybe some of the young players will be able to do that & he will follow their lead.