Back in June, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Kemba Walker and a first-round draft pick from the Celtics so that Boston could salary dump the guard elsewhere. At the time, most expected OKC to move Walker somewhere else, knowing that they were just trying to stack up another draft pick by making the move. Now, there appears to be more clarity on the topic, via Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
There’s also an expectation in Oklahoma City’s front office, sources said, that barring a positive medical, the Thunder will be able to move Kemba Walker for additional future assets prior to the start of this season. https://t.co/e6APaJ2WML
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 27, 2021
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. The Thunder have been wheeling and dealing to stack up draft capital for a couple of years now. Acquiring Kemba Walker with a first-round pick strapped to the deal was just the latest. The intrigue will come in what teams will be interested in making a deal with OKC for the veteran guard.
The Thunder are set to have a busy offseason as they have cap flexibility along with six draft picks, including three in the top 18. Add onto that now the ongoing speculation surrounding Walker.
Walker played in just 43 games last season while battling injuries off and on throughout the year. In those 43 games played, the then Celtics guard averaged 19.3 points per game and 4.9 assists per pop on 36% from three-point range.
It's worth noting that Fischer mentioned in his tweet that the Thunder should be able to move Walker pending a positive medical review. That could end up being a bigger headline than what most realize.
With the draft and free agency coming up, expect the Thunder to stay extremely busy while Sam Presti continues to try and work his magic.
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