NBA Rumors: Kemba Walker to sign elsewhere in free agency?
NBA Rumors: According to recent reports, Kemba Walker is expected to leave the Charlotte Hornets and sign elsewhere in free agency
The summer of 2019 has the chance to reshape the landscape of the NBA, from potential big free agent movements to the opportunity for teams to make major moves in the trade market. While we know the big names that will likely dictate the major action, one of the second-tier names that will almost certainly make some some waves is Kemba Walker.
Waker has spent the first eight years of his career with the Hornets, while leading the team to the playoffs twice in his career. However, the team is currently 1.5 games back of the Miami Heat for the final playoff spot this season.
Short of making a late-season push, Kemba is on pace to miss the playoffs for the sixth time in his young career. Which brings a potential question, is it time for Kemba to take the chance on himself and move on to another team? It sounds a little more like it could happen this summer.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required), the word around the the league is that Kemba is likely to sign with a team other than the Hornets this summer when he hits the open free agent market.
It would be interesting, to say the least, if Kemba would make the move to a potential playoff team. Perhaps to a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that is in dire need of a star player. And the Lakers, from everything we’ve heard thus far, likely aren’t landing Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard.
Kyrie Irving is probably a long shot, even if he leaves Boston. Kemba Walker might be the next best team for the Lakers, if they can’t acquire another star via trade.
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And if it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Kemba is going to leave the Hornets, perhaps the Lakers is the best option for both sides.