In the midst of the news of a potential Kemba Walker trade, Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said a week prior to the reports that he would be “shocked” if his point guard wanted out.
“I'd be shocked if he didn't want to be here,” said Clifford, according to Chris Kroeger of Primetime WNFZ. “I've been around long enough to know you never say never, but I just can't see a scenario where that plays out.”
The helmsman said these trade rumors involving Walker are just that, rumors — saying he still finds it hard to believe that this would take place, noting that he'd think he'd be consulted if management was to take such a decision.
Clifford has been at the helm of the Hornets for four-plus seasons now, but that doesn't mean he's deeply connected with the front office, who at times can veer sideways and make decisions on their own accord.
Taking Walker out of the equation would be only to sweeten the pot and entice a team to be willing to take some of the non-desirable contracts currently in the roster. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski's report, the Hornets would dangle any of their starters' contracts along with Walker, in hopes to push the reset button.
Taking it for what it is, the fact the Hornets have made him available doesn't mean they're necessarily ready to move him, but would rather listen to any incoming offers to see if any make sense moving forward.
Shipping Walker out of town, with or without any viable pieces in return, would signify a complete reset of this team, given that the offense is run with him at the forefront as the focal point.
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