After his All-NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets in 2018-19, Kemba Walker signed a four-year maximum contract with the Boston Celtics. In his two seasons in Boston, his durability and efficiency were drastically affecting his production, eventually prompting the Celtics to trade him for some much-needed financial flexibility.
Walker was bought out by the Oklahoma City Thunder shortly after the trade, quickly signing a two-year, $17 million deal with the New York Knicks in free agency. The Bronx native's much-celebrated return to New York hasn't gone as planned, though, with Tom Thibodeau benching him for 10 games earlier this season. He eventually found his rhythm with huge games against the Celtics and Washington Wizards once injuries and COVID protocols forced Walker back into the rotation, but he's still been wildly inconsistent at large as New York's replacement for Elfrid Payton.
With Walker's rough play offensively and imminently exploitable weaknesses on the other end, it might be time for the Knicks to pull the trigger again and experiment with another point guard in the Big Apple.
Knicks' 3 best trade destinations for Kemba Walker
The Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio injuries have linked the Cleveland Cavaliers to every possible ball handler and shot creator available on the trade market. Darius Garland has ascended to All-Star status this season, but defenses could formulate schemes that goad him to give up the ball in the playoffs—perhaps forcing Cleveland to play with another guard like Walker who can initiate offense.
Cedi Osman is a viable target who could be shipped to New York in a potential Walker trade, especially with Lauri Markkanen and Isaac Okoro starting on the wings. Walker's defensive limitations are inherent, but their negative impact would no doubt be mitigated by the presence of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Moreover, Walker would have less pressure playing behind Garland in the second unit, comprising a dangerous bench lineup with fellow veteran Kevin Love.
The New Orleans Pelicans have expressed their desire to be buyers as the trade deadline approaches. Trading Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball over the last two seasons has left them bereft of top-tier talent and quality depth on the perimeter. Devonte' Graham has not been performing at a high level in 2021-22, which would make bringing in Walker a calculated risk for the Pelicans.
If the Pelicans can somehow make the Knicks absorb the expiring contract of Tomas Satoransky with the carrot of one of their many draft picks, that would be an incredible deal for New Orleans. Walker could even take over on the first unit with Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Jonas Valanciunas and Herb Jones. Zion Williamson's pending return opens up more opportunities for the offensive sets of coach Willie Green with Walker running the show, too.
Fred VanVleet has been infamously known as the leader in minutes per game this season. His conditioning is excellent, but it could be unsustainable for coach Nick Nurse to continue this strategy until the playoffs. Thus, negotiating a trade with New York for Walker could be a feasible plan for Masai Ujiri.
The player development in Toronto over the past seasons has been exceptional, which could be the answer for Walker to find his groove and rhythm once again. His minutes would start off at around 12-15 per game, but Nurse could utilize him for more playing time in certain matchups. His track record speaks for itself, and Walker's scoring prowess and offensive force would bolster and enhance Toronto's chances to earn a higher seed in the playoffs.
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