The New York Knicks finally hope to have an answer to their starting point guard questions.
Pending a buyout from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kemba Walker will be joining the New York Knicks, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker has agreed to a contract buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and upon clearing waivers, plans to sign with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2021
Chris Paul went back to the Phoenix Suns while Mike Conley Jr. rejoined the Utah Jazz. Kyle Lowry agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat. This left very little left on the free agent market, but now, via a buyout from Oklahoma City, the Knicks will land Kemba Walker.
Even with the re-signing of Derrick Rose for the Knicks, the idea had likely been tossed about that he is better suited coming off the bench, a role in which he thrived for New York last season. This kept a large vacancy at the starting point guard spot, which Walker will likely fill.
Walker suffered through an injury-plagued year last season with the Boston Celtics and then was sent to Oklahoma City in a trade this summer. OKC had no intentions of keeping Walker and were simply happy to have landed a first-round pick in that deal. When they couldn't find a trade partner for Walker, the buyout became a clear option. The Knicks are taking a flier on the hometown kid, and now New York hopes to have a starting point guard.
Walker averaged 19.3 points per game on 36% shooting from 3-point range for Boston last year. His microwave offensive approach and ability to knock down shots is a welcome sign for the Knicks.
Kemba Walker plans an MSG homecoming with the Knicks pic.twitter.com/NB7hIfmiw6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2021
New York had a surprisingly awesome 2020-21 campaign, but it was clear the team needed an offensive boost after the loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs. Walker, when healthy, can provide that boost.