Multiple reports Tuesday point to the Boston Celtics as a new candidate to sign Kemba Walker away from the Charlotte Hornets in free agency.
Both Marc Stein of the New York Times, and Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reported that the Celtics will make a run at Walker, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Based on his All-NBA selection in 2018-19, Walker is eligible for a Super Max contract from the Hornets, up to $221 million over five seasons. The most another team could offer walker is $140 million over four seasons.
While Walker has expressed that the fifth year is important to him, and said he'd be willing to work with the Hornets and take less money, he is open to playing elsewhere.
"This is where I want to be and if it doesn't work out, it just doesn't," Walker said at his camp in early June. "I'm prepared (to play somewhere else)."
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After trading for Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly set their sights on Walker. But the team may not have the salary cap room to pay Walker the $30-$35 million he might command on the open market.
Boston will likely be parting ways with high-paid free agents Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, paving the way to pay Walker.