Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker is making his third All-Star Game appearance this season; an accomplishment that for now, seems bigger than his looming free agency this summer. Still, questions and speculations about his future are starting to pop-up regularly.
Former NBA player and Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues told NBA.com's Shaun Powell that it is highly significant for the franchise to be able to do what it takes to make sure that Walker stays in Charlotte.
“It will be very important to keep him. Hopefully they can, but it will be challenging because giving him a max and not being able to improve the team is something they’re going to be looking at. I know the priority is that he’s here. I cannot see any scenario where he’s not in a Hornets’ uniform next year.”
Walker has given no indication that he plans to leave the Hornets after this season. However, the team's current roster is filled with high-paying contracts that will make it difficult for team management to do two things.
Sign Walker to a super-max contract and make significant improvements to the team.
If the three-time All-Star makes the All-NBA team, he will be eligible for a five year deal worth $221 million. If not, Walker can still demand an extension worth $189 million for five seasons. If any of these scenarios happen, the Hornets will most likely be paying the luxury tax next season, something that might not be ideal for the franchise, especially if they will remain a mid-tier team.
It will be pretty interesting to see how the Hornets will deal with Walker's free agency situation after this season.
But Bogues is right.
The team needs Walker to stay.
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