Kemba Walker has already been bought out of a contract once since the 2021/22 league year began, having reached a deal with Oklahoma City that paved the way for his New York homecoming.
However, even now that he has been shut down for the rest of the season by the Knicks, Walker isn’t seeking a second buyout agreement, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said during an appearance on NBA Today on Thursday (video link).
“There are a number of teams who would love to have Kemba Walker in a buyout,” Wojnarowski said. “That’s not gonna happen. He’s not interested in that with New York.”
The decision to shut down Walker for the rest of the season was made by the point guard’s camp as well as the Knicks, with an eye toward getting him healthy for the 2022/23 campaign, so it makes sense that Kemba wouldn’t be eager to jump ship for an immediate role with a new team.
Walker also sacrificed a bit of money when he gave up $20MM in his buyout agreement with the Thunder and then signed a two-year, $17.9MM deal with New York, so he probably isn’t looking to do that again just six months later.
The Knicks have no real motive to pursue a buyout with Walker either. They’re not in urgent need of a roster spot, and once the offseason arrives, Kemba’s expiring $9.2MM contract could be useful as a salary-matching chip in trade talks. Wojnarowski said during his NBA Today appearance that New York will likely peruse the trade market for an impact player this summer.
“The goal has been – since Leon Rose was hired as president and William Wesley was brought into the front office – that they would be in the market for franchise-type players who became available in trades,” Wojnarowski said. “This isn’t a team that has cap space this summer, but they do have assets. They have draft assets, they have all their own picks, they still have Dallas’ 2023 first-round pick, which is protected. That certainly would have value.”
A player who is bought out must be waived by March 1 in order to retain his playoff eligibility for a new team. Once that date passes, we can be even more certain that Walker will finish this season with the Knicks.
“Lemme go ahead and get every dime. Thanks Leon & Co.”
I wouldn’t give back any money if I was him either. His career is pretty much over
He’s gonna be really good in the Big3 whenever his NBA days are over. His career still has many years left in it
No knees Kemba acting like he’s still a hot commodity in the NBA. I see him taking a 6th man role for a team like Spurs next year.
How is not going to another team acting like a hot commodity lol
He won’t have enough offers that he’s expecting. I’m likely anticipating him settling for a 6th man offer. His injury history will scare a lot of teams. His knees have not been the same since he left Charlotte. Medical history matters for free agents (unless your KD, when he was coming off the torn Achilles).
You can be bought out 10 times a year if you like
He still has tons of talents left
Nobody wants him so get the full amount he signed for. Just fulfilling his contractual duties.
NYK and the Lakers will talk come July, I have no doubts
It reminds me of the Dodger/Red Sox blockbuster in 2012. Both big markets facing insurmountable pressures to make a violent move in a direction other than the one they were currently on
Red Sox took the L in talent swung short term but great things happened immediately after with the assets and financial flexibility it instantly gave them .
I could see the 2023 Knicks being the 2012 Red Sox this offseason with another LA team itching to itch
Fourn Kemba Noel Burks for Rw +1st