NBA Daily: Finding a New Home for Kemba Walker

Another season, another disappointing end for Kemba Walker.

Eight years in the NBA and Walker has managed just two postseason appearances. The blame, however, should not fall on his shoulders; Walker has played like a star since he joined the NBA ranks, especially in recent seasons. It should, instead, fall on the Charlotte Hornets, who have time and time again failed to put a contending roster around their star.

Now, with the Hornets once again on the outside of the playoff picture looking in and Walker staring down free agency, the point guard may take it upon himself to find a team that can put a contending roster around him.

There are a number of teams that would love to add an All-Star like Walker. Whether they be an already contending squad or one on the rise, there is just something to Walker’s game that has made him stand out — a swagger and presence that not everyone has. But, as of now, what teams would be his best fit? Let’s take a look across the league to answer that question.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are in a very interesting situation.

With Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton in the fold, the Suns have a future star-duo in the making. Combined with the host of talented role players on the roster, it seems that Pheonix, after such a long rebuild, is just a piece or two away from Western Conference relevancy.

And, they are guaranteed a top three pick come June, with a 14% chance to land the first overall selection.

The Suns could very easily use their pick — or a later one — on a point guard; Ja Morant, Coby White and a number of other talented point guards will make their way to the stage come June. But Walker would prove to be the most immediate — and potentially best — upgrade at a position that they have struggled to fill since the departures of Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas. Plus, should the Suns luck out and land Zion Williamson, they would have a formidable foursome with which to attack their Western Conference opponents.

It may bring an end to the days of scoring 50 points or more for Devin Booker, but having Walker, a dominant point guard, to orchestrate the offense and draw attention away would not only elevate his play, but the play of Ayton and the rest of the roster as well. His veteran presence in the locker room would certainly be a welcome addition as well.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have a point guard problem.

They have a number of talented players on the roster. Lauri Markkanen is a budding star as a sophomore, while Zach LaVine is proving to be worthy of the $80 million contract he received last offseason. Rookie Wendell Carter Jr. impressed in his inaugural season,
while Otto Porter Jr. seemed rejuvenated after he was traded by the Washington Wizards.

But, at point guard, there is only uncertainty.

Kris Dunn has served as the starter since he came over from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dunn has impressed at times but Chicago seems reluctant to commit to the former Providence Friar. Granted, Dunn’s short time with the team has been up and down, his play fluctuating on almost a nightly basis. He has at times flashed the talent that made him a top pick back in 2017, but Dunn has thus far been unable to bring that sort of energy consistently. And, going into the last year of his contract, the Bulls need to decide if he is their future or if they need to find a replacement.

Should they decide the latter, Walker would seem to be the best option available. A backcourt of Walker and LaVine would be deadly from range, while his presence would provide some room to move for Markkanen and Carter down low.

In a relatively weak Eastern Conference, a Bulls squad centered around those four would almost certainly find themselves in the postseason running, more so than the Hornets have this season anyway. In fact, it may even be the most talented squad Walker has been a part of in his NBA career.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are not a good basketball team. That, however, could change drastically this summer.

With the Porzingis trade, and a number of subsequent moves, the Knicks have found themselves with two max-contract cap slots this summer, with a number of different stars set to be on the free agent market. Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and Walker headline a stacked free agency class, one that could change the NBA landscape.

Of course, the Knicks will have a go at Kevin Durant — the best player on the market — and they have long been linked to Irving as the Boston Celtics have seemingly found themselves rife with dysfunction. But, should Durant go elsewhere, Irving recommit to Boston or the Knicks miss out on any number of their other targets, Walker would be a VERY nice consolation prize — it almost seems demeaning to refer to him as such.

The Knicks don’t exactly have a need at point guard, but Walker would certainly be an upgrade on New York’s current group of lead guards. Smith is still young, but hasn’t quite enough to ensure long-term confidence. Meanwhile, sophomore Frank Ntilikina already seems to be fading as the potential point guard of the future.

This would seem to be a beneficial fit both parties. It would not only give the Knicks one star player, but Walker could provide an incentive to lure another star to New York, such as Durant. And, with a 14% chance to earn the top pick, the Knicks could either take a future star to pair with him or cash in and trade the pick for another, already established star.

Walker, meanwhile, would finally get the recognition he deserves. The sheer amount of coverage in New York would propel him from vastly underrated to a highly regarded household name overnight.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers need help. And they need it now.

For some reason, the Lakers felt it was alright to waste year one of Laketown LeBron James, who is now 34 years old. While they impressed in the early going, Los Angeles nosedived after an injury to James and never recovered. Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson pushed for Anthony Davis at the February Trade Deadline, but were rebuffed. In fact, the publicity of those Lakers-Davis rumors may have pushed them further in the hole, a distraction to the players mentioned in those trade discussions.

James has, and will continue to extend his prime for as long as he can. However, he won’t be the player he is now forever and the Lakers need to capitalize on the transcendent talent that he currently is. So, while they can’t turn back the clock and fix the mess that has been this season, they can learn from it.

Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma both stepped up this season, but neither player, nor whatever other players the Lakers take into the offseason, will be enough to contend for a title, regardless of whether or not the Golden State Warriors retain Durant’s services. They, at the very least, need a star to pair with James, and they will almost certainly be in touch with anyone and everyone that fits the description.

Like New York, should the Lakers fail to land their top targets, Walker could prove a great plan B. Lonzo Ball has proven to be an impressive defender at the NBA level, but between the offensive woes and continued injury concerns, he may be, at best, a question mark moving forward.

Were the team to bring Walker in, they would almost certainly find themselves back in contention next season.

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks, like the Suns, are almost a piece away.

The wunderkind Luka Doncic took the NBA by storm this season and, with Kristaps Porzingis waiting in the wings, the Mavericks are a certainly a franchise on the rise.

Now, all they need arguably is a point guard.

Doncic can handle the ball, but Rick Carlisle and Co. have more often deployed him at the two-guard spot. Sophomore Dennis Smith Jr. was sent to New York as part of the Porzingis trade, so the Mavericks have an opening. Jalen Brunson, the second-round rookie out of Villanova, has performed admirably in his short run as a starter, but he is better served filling a bench role on a contending team.

With Walker in the fold, the Mavericks would find themselves with a deadly All-Star level trifecta. They may not be the best team in the NBA, but they will certainly have their way with teams frequently and could compete for a title.

Walker has long maintained his desire to remain with the Hornets for his entire career. Still, that won’t stop a bevy of potential suitors checking in with him this offseason. And, if Walker ever wants a chance to compete for a title, he may have to rethink his future plans in Charlotte.