6:05 am | June 27, 2019 | Go to Source | Author:
The Boston Celtics have emerged as the front-runners to sign Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker in free agency, league sources tell ESPN.
Walker’s eight-year career with the Hornets appears to be coming to close, with owner Michael Jordan no longer determined to extend far enough financially to re-sign his franchise player, league sources tell ESPN.
Walker, a three-time All-Star, is expected to be offered a four-year, $141 million contract from the Celtics when free agency opens Sunday at 6 p.m. ET — a deal that he’s increasingly likely to accept, league sources said.
The Celtics have targeted Walker, 29, as the No. 1 priority in free agency, an elite-level replacement for the departing Kyrie Irving, sources said. Walker had his best season as a pro, averaging 25.8 points without missing a game.
After a season of locker room turmoil often centered around Irving’s discontent, the Celtics crave the stability and leadership that Walker could bring — along with an All-Star talent in the prime of his career.
Boston can renounce the rights to restricted free agency Terry Rozier to clear the space to start Walker on a four-year deal beginning at $32M annually.
Walker can plug into a Celtics lineup that includes Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown. Boston can still pursue a center with its $4.8 million exception and deliver a roster at the start of the season that could be competitive with the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.
Walker won a national championship at nearby UConn in 2011, and is a New York City native.
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