NBA Rumors: The Boston Celtics have reportedly become the frontrunners to sign Kemba Walker when free agency opens
In what is expected to be a crazy summer, we could have the first big name ready to exchange jerseys.
Kemba Walker, who by many expected to re-sign with the Charlotte Hornets, was always an interesting name as he was in that second tier of free agents that would command max money. However, was reportedly willing to take a bit less in order to help the Hornets build around him.
Though, something may have changed. It was reported early Thursday morning that the Hornets and Kemba remained far apart in their extension talks.
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Shortly after, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Boston Celtics had emerged as the frontrunners to sign Walker when free agency opens this weekend. Of course, anything reported in the next couple of days should be taken with a grain of salt.
There will be a lot of smokescreens out there, whether it’s by agents or teams, with free agency quickly approaching. Free agents will be trying to align themselves with their best interests, and this likely isn’t the last report we will get when it pertains to Kemba and his possible landing spots.
Nevertheless, from both reports this morning, it appears that Kemba might be leaning towards moving on from the Hornets. This has to be devastating news for Hornets fans and their front office.
This would throw a wrench in everything that Charlotte had planned for the summer and could expedite their road to a long rebuild. As for the Celtics, this could put them back in the “win-now” mode.
In fact, you can make the argument that signing Kemba would be the exact definition of that. Which makes you scratch your head about the team moving on from Al Horford. Nevertheless, perhaps the Celtics believe they would be better off with shifting the money for Horford to a player like Kemba.
Free agency is nearly here and the rumors are only going to multiply in the next couple of days. It’s the best time of the year.