Despite recent rumors of a potential Charlotte Hornets swap with the Brooklyn Nets for their talisman Kemba Walker, the recent acquisition of Shabazz Napier has put those thoughts to bed.
The Hornets point guard was assertive in his belief that he would remain with the team for the long run, buying into what this new management and coaching staff has started to put in place.
“As far as seeing me in New York, I doubt it,” Walker told Michael Scotto of The Athletic. “I'm a Hornet, and I'm planning on being a Hornet for a long time; so, yeah, I'm not sure about that [New York].”
The Nets had just parted ways with point guard Jeremy Lin, freeing up a potential swap for D'Angelo Russell (who they acquired last summer) for Walker, who has one year remaining in his contract worth $12 million.
Article Continues BelowWalker was rumored to be under trade discussions prior to the deadline in hopes to unload some of the loaded salaries in the lineup. A Bronx native, the link between him and the Nets seemed organic, along with his friendly contract — but that would be contingent with the plans president Mitch Kupchak has in store for this franchise.
“I’m not planning to leave, no,” Walker replied, when one of the campers in his native New York asked if he would leave. “It’s not up to me right now.”
Seems like Walker has gotten strong indications front the front office that he is their franchise player, but the Hornets will have to free up a lot more cap space before they can dole out the money he will command as a free agent in 2019.