NBA: The ins and outs of the supermax and who should take the deal
By Cole Raines
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Appearing on the All-NBA third team, Kemba Walker is now eligible for a five-year, $220 million extension from Charlotte.
The Lakers need more players, they have five players on their roster now, and some cap space to sign some more pieces around the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Kemba has stated he will not take the supermax so the Hornets have more cap space to sign players around him.
For Charlotte, that is a dream, you are almost given a five-year do-over to build around Kemba, and Hornets basketball will be buzzing again around retaining their star. For Kemba, that is not what you should want. Kemba will most likely not win a ring if he stays unless Charlotte adds some huge pieces, even then Milwaukee, Toronto, and Philadelphia will stand in your way.
Kemba should consider taking a pay cut, not to play for Michael Jordan and the Hornets, but to play with the other guy in the GOAT conversation, LeBron James. The Western Conference will be weaker, even if Kawhi leaves to the Clippers, a trio of Bron, AD, and Kemba can and should work for the Lakers, might even get Kemba into the NBA Finals for the first time in his career.
Kemba, you have done enough for the Hornets, and they have showed you that they can not put pieces around you, go to a big market and play with some stars to contend in the Finals.
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Like I previously said, the supermax is a very flawed deal, however it is not something that can’t be repaired. For some of the players listed, the supermax deal would be perfect for what they want in their career. The big thing with the supermax, is the player movement is at an astronomical rate compared to past years, so locking down a player for that much money is a very tough thing to do.
Anthony Davis did not want to sign it, he knew he would not be able to compete in New Orleans, and wanted to explore other options. Is he going to be the only player that is against signing that huge deal and request a trade out or will other stars use their power as well? This offseason with Kemba, we as fans will see how another star truly feels about locking into a place for five years.