NBA Trade Rumors: Kemba Walker has gotten off to a hot start and the Charlotte Hornets have shot down any teams interested in trading for the all-star
There might not be another player (not named Stephen Curry) that has gotten off to a better start to this season than Kemba Walker, and it appears that the Charlotte Hornets know that are are willing to ride this wave.
Entering the final season of his contract, all eyes are on what the Hornets will do regarding Kemba who may or may not re-sign with the Hornets after the season. While many have pointed at the prospects of the team trading Walker, the Hornets say not so fast.
According to a recent report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Hornets have no interest in trading Kemba at this time. And any team that is calling the Hornets about a potential Kemba trade is getting hung up on.
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At least right now, the Hornets are interesting in keeping this team intact, with Kemba being their fearless leader. This report even suggests that the team is willing to pay Kemba the big money extension that he’s going to demand on the open market.
"[via The Athletic]Teams inquiring about Kemba Walker this offseason received the same message, league sources said: the Hornets are committed to contending for a playoff berth with Walker as the face of the franchise. For now, Michael Jordan has a strong desire to re-sign Walker as a free agent next summer, and teams around the NBA have recognized as much."
The Charlotte Hornets have raced off to a 6-5 start and appear to be a contender for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They have been up and down and every bit the .500 team that their record suggests they are, but Kemba has been the steady force.
He’s currently averaging 28 points (2nd in the NBA), six assists and four rebounds per game on 40 percent from 3-point range and 47 percent from the field – both career highs. He’s playing his best basketball of his career and the Hornets have clearly realized that.
But things can drastically change. Just keep an eye on this entire situation, especially if the Hornets begin to slip in the standings.