Celtics’ Emerge As Favorites for Kemba Walker

As the Charlotte Hornets and soon-to-be free agent guard Kemba Walker, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise, have hit a contract stalemate, the Boston Celtics have emerged as a favorite to land him should he hit free agency, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Walker, 29, is eligible for a five-year, $221 million supermax contract from the Hornets, but it’s not a lock that he returns, as the New York City native is also linked to Boston, the Dallas Mavericks, and the New York Knicks.

Walker has shown his loyalty to the Hornets organization, stating that he would be willing to accept a discount to remain with the only team he has ever played for at the NBA level.

The most another team can offer him is a four-year, $140 million deal in free agency, and he officially become a free agent this Sunday at 6 pm EST.

With the likely departure of Kyrie Irving, the Celtics slotting in Walker could be seen as an upgrade considering how Irving’s tenure soured, and the lack of chemistry with the roster throughout last season.