The Charlotte Hornets have made a few subtle moves to start the offseason, hinting that a rebuild might be on the way. But for the team, star guard Kemba Walker still remains an important piece of their plans.

According to Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak and owner Michael Jordan, Walker is “the focal point of this franchise going forward,” per the Associated Press via ESPN.

Trade rumors involving Walker have been around since last season which is partly due to his expiring contract. Now, the Hornets are facing a dilemma involving signing Walker for an extension amid their tight salary cap.

Kupchak admitted that the Hornets are in a tight spot:

Article Continues Below
More Charlotte Hornets News
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Hornets acquire Collin Sexton from Jazz for Jusuf NurkicTroy Finnegan ·
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center.
Hornets rumors: Charlotte targeting move LaMelo Bell will loveJaren Kawada ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) dribbles beside Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the first quarter during game two of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA rumors: Ty Jerome suitors lining up amid expected Cavs exitTroy Finnegan ·
Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Charlotte Hornets 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickZachary Howell ·
; Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Hornets’ Kon Knueppel hints at Duke plan after unexpected questionAbdullah Imran ·
Deandre Ayton photoshopped in Hornets jersey with number.
Hornets’ trade proposal for Deandre Ayton finds Mark Williams replacementBailey Bassett ·

“I think everybody is aware of the situation, if you follow basketball a little bit, it is unique that he is on an extension that may make it a challenge going forward to figure out before he becomes a free agent.”

While Kupchak said that he is their focal point, it seems that they don't have concrete plans as of the moment with regard to Walker's contract. Kupchak simply hopes that Walker will be with them his entire career:

“I don't think it is anybody's goal to lose him in free agency,” Kupchak said. “But going forward, in the community, in the franchise, this is a player that we hope is with us — not only for the next couple of years, but ends his career here.”

Walker, who has spent all his seven seasons in the NBA with the Hornets, logged in 22.1 points and 5.6 assists in 80 games last season.