Kemba Walker is currently under one of the friendliest long-term contracts for a star player, as his four-year, $48 million deal has him making an even $12 million every year, including this 2018-19 season after two All-Star nods. Walker reportedly would have taken as little as $10 million per year and was on the verge of overstepping his agent Jeff Schwartz when the Charlotte Hornets initially played hard ball in 2015.
Per ESPN's Zach Lowe:
He was up for an extension that fall. Schwartz wanted $12 million per season. Charlotte’s offer topped out at $10 million. As the Oct. 31 deadline approached, Walker pushed Schwartz to accept Charlotte’s offer. If Schwartz wouldn’t, Walker threatened to call the team and do it himself, according to both. (Charlotte ponied up $12 million in the end.)
The Bronx native has always been adamant to remain in Charlotte, and his eagerness to take the front office's deal is exemplary of his commitment to the team and the cause.
Walker has more than earned his value at $12 million per year, despite the poor results the Hornets have had throughout the last three years, missing the last two postseasons.
The 6-foot-1 point man has put up 20-point scoring seasons in each of his last three seasons, including a career-high 27.9 points per game that could propel him to a supermax deal if he's included on any of the three All-NBA teams.
Kemba Walker is putting up career highs in scoring (27.9), assists (6.5), field goal percentage (44.9 percent) and 3-point field goals made per game (3.8) so far, leading the Hornets to a 10-10 record through the first quarter of the 2018-19 season.
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