Kemba Walker is a well-respected leader in the NBA who could be quality piece to a contending team. OKC is a very young squad that could use his mentorship role more than his on-court production. If that’s the case, Walker could be on the way out the door very soon. Here are some potential teams to look out for in the trade market:
The Knicks are in need of a point guard in the worst possible way. Elfrid Payton is their starter (somehow) and just isn’t cutting it because of a lack of offensive game and mediocre decision-making. Derrick Rose is in the final year of his contract and is already turning 33 next year and is more than likely on the way out himself. Frank Ntilikina is a defensive-minded point with a non-existent offensive game who also happens to be on the last year of his deal. Lastly, Immanual Quickley is looking like their safest option for the future but he lacks the playmaking skills. Trading for Walker would give them a solid guard and a safe bet for 30+ minutes a game, especially under coach Tom Thibodeau. Despite the injury concerns, he is the playmaking/scorer that they’re missing.
Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic are incoming free agents and need to get their back court figured out. Trading for Walker would help them become championship contenders as they have Butler and Adebayo on contract. Plus it would give them another offensive superstar needed to get them to the playoffs and possibly beyond. A story to look out for is what’s going to happen Victor Oladipo as he’s set to become a free agent. If he were to leave, Walker would fill in nicely but Oladipo’s defense will be missed.
The Bulls are also in need of a point guard. Coby White will be out for the next four months because of shoulder surgery. Tomas Satoranksy is an okay starter right now, but is mainly just a facilitator. Trading for Walker would give them a solid third option to pair along side Vucevic and Lavine. Giving them a third option could finally get them over the edge. The Bulls have been in need of a solid point guard since they lost Derrick Rose several years ago and trading for Walker could give them the offensive firepower needed to get back to the playoffs.
The Pelicans have been in turmoil ever since the end of this last season. Firing Stan Van Gundy after only one season was very eye-boggling, but it made sense. Pairing up Zion Williamson with Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe tells you everything you need to know about their spacing issues. If they were to pull the trigger on a trade for a reliable scorer in Walker, now would be the time. Knowing Lonzo Ball is a free agent this offseason, it makes even more sense to make a trade happen.
The Lakers are looking for another solid option to pair up with Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Knowing they don’t have many trade assets, it could be very difficult to make something happen. Getting Walker would bolster their starting five and give many teams matchup nightmares.
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