Mavs Make Kemba Walker Top Target In Free Agency This Summer

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Dallas Mavericks are eyeing Kemba Walker as their top addition in free agency this summer.

Walker, an unrestricted free agent, has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay with the Hornets, although that could be changing. 

Word around the league is that Walker is leaning towards leaving the Hornets, according to Sam Amick.

"At this point, based on scuttlebutt around the league but without direct clarity from his side, it feels like he’s more likely to leave than stay," said Amick in a recent Q-and-A.

Via Rick Bonnell/Charlotte Observer

[njknicks]

Unless the Hornets low-ball Kemba with anything but the max deal - likely will stay put.

The only way he leaves is if there is a draft day package deal.

Considering that he is not endorsement heavy - would be leaving enormous amount of money on the table by joining another team ( literally years off his playing career ).

Great player, is everything you want in an athlete - humble, hard working, first class team mate, has improved each year, shown some success.

Good Luck Kemba - look forward to watching you grow & win!

[316Hornets]

Only way I would see Kemba leaving is if he got on one of those superteams, which Dallas is not. Where Zion goes is going to shift the balance of the league greatly. If Kemba can pair with him, don't see any reason why he'd turn that down.

[scrabbarista]

Well, I give up on trying to figure out what is and isn't tampering, I guess.

[scrabbarista]

Kemba, Porzingis, Zion, and Luka would be bananas!!!!

[alienpick]

Media making **** up again...

[CH Smoot]

Kemba getting the max in Charlotte. He ain't going no place.

[RipCityKJ]

I understand loyalty but this franchise is a disaster and has been for years. There cap table for the next few years is horrible it’s at least 2-3 years before they can try to bring in anyone new to do anything but be mediocre in the east.

[IAMZOOTED2]

I like the move, but, honestly, it has a snowball's chance in hell of actually occurring. For starters, Kemba ain't going nowhere, so this would have to be a S&T. Also, why would Dallas target Kemba anyway when they've got tremendous depth at the guard spot. They got their playmaker in Luka and asking Kemba to spot up and shoot 3s would be akin to buying a Porsche because you thought it'd be good on gas. Kemba is fully capable of raining 3s, but dude is deadly off the boucnce. KP and Kemba could work the P&R effectively, I reckon, but seriously... how could this ever get even get done?

[stepic]

Kemba, Porzingis, Zion, and Luka would be bananas!!!!

and how exactly do the Mavs aquire Zion? they traded their pick for Luka, remember.

[Sam195]

If Michael Jordan doesn't pay up with a 5 year max contract fully guaranteed than Walker is better off going to Dallas and signing a 4 year max deal with savings from the lack of state income tax in Texas. I have a feeling MJ is not interested in paying for another big contract after he signed Batum and traded back for Bismack's albatross deal. Cody Zeller also has a big contract.

[baldur]

Kemba, Porzingis, Zion, and Luka would be bananas!!!!

and how exactly do the Mavs aquire Zion? they traded their pick for Luka, remember.

it is top 5 protected.

[Sam195]

Kemba, Porzingis, Zion, and Luka would be bananas!!!!

and how exactly do the Mavs aquire Zion? they traded their pick for Luka, remember.

the pick is top 5 protected if mavs miss the playoffs but get lucky and move into top 3 they keep it. I doubt they will intentionally tank to the 2nd worst record so they are guaranteed to keep the pick since you can only drop three spots - I don't even think that is mathematically possible it would need to be pure luck like when the lakers kept the pick they traded away for Steve Nash within the protection range to draft Lonzo.

[stepic]

it is top 5 protected.

the pick is top 5 protected if mavs miss the playoffs but get lucky and move into top 3 they keep it. I doubt they will intentionally tank to the 2nd worst record so they are guaranteed to keep the pick since you can only drop three spots - I don't even think that is mathematically possible it would need to be pure luck like when the lakers kept the pick they traded away for Steve Nash within the protection range to draft Lonzo.

ah, my bad.

still, incredibly unlikely they land the #1 pick. if they do, they'll own the league in a few years.

[TheCage4]

Why would Dallas lay out top dollar for a PG when they have Luka? They would be better off spreading that money around to fill out the roster with capable defenders and shooters.

[The_Hater]

Why would Dallas lay out top dollar for a PG when they have Luka? They would be better off spreading that money around to fill out the roster with capable defenders and shooters.

Because everyone needs more than one ball handler. Luca isn’t going to play 82 games, 48 mpg, never get tired and maintain a usage rate in the 40’s. Because Walker’s shooting makes him equally deadly playing off ball and because the more good players you put on the roster, the more game you generally win.

I think Walker’s skill set is a great fit for the Mavs, I’m just not as convinced his age fits in very well.

[Johnny Bball]

Why is this news when it’s nothing but an opinion from Sam Amick. It has nothing to do with Walker really.

So since it says nothing, I’ll just assume this is to circumvent tampering rules.

[timstrasser]

This doesn't make sense and doesn't ring true to me. They were seeking to trade Dennis Smith, not because he's not good and not a good locker room guy, but because his talents didn't mesh with Luka D.'s. Dennis Smith is a scoring point guard who needs the ball to be effective. With Luka also needing the ball, they went with Luka. Kemba Walker is the same type of scoring point guard. That is why this doesn't make sense. If I were the Mav's GM, I would go out and try to get an Enes Kanter-type of center to be the bully rebounder next to Kristaps. Jalen Brunson looks like he could be a steady hand at starting PG for years to come.

[Vanderbilt_Grad]

This doesn't make sense and doesn't ring true to me. They were seeking to trade Dennis Smith, not because he's not good and not a good locker room guy, but because his talents didn't mesh with Luka D.'s. Dennis Smith is a scoring point guard who needs the ball to be effective. With Luka also needing the ball, they went with Luka. Kemba Walker is the same type of scoring point guard. That is why this doesn't make sense. If I were the Mav's GM, I would go out and try to get an Enes Kanter-type of center to be the bully rebounder next to Kristaps. Jalen Brunson looks like he could be a steady hand at starting PG for years to come.

Kemba is a very efficient off ball scorer. He pairs well with other creators as he doesn't always require the ball to do his thing. It's a logical idea for the Mavs IMHO.

[Dan Z]

Kemba, Porzingis, Zion, and Luka would be bananas!!!!

Don't forget they'll have Tim Hardaway Jr too!