Kemba Walker Plans to Commit to $141 Million Max Contract With Celtics, Sources Say
Written by SOURCE on June 29, 2019
Kemba Walker‘s departure from Charlotte seems more and more likely.
According to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, the 29-year-old All-Star intends to sign a four-year, $141 million max deal with the Celtics once free agency opens this weekend.
It was reported that Hornets-Kemba negotiations hit a snag this month because the franchise refused to commit to a five-year, $221.3 million supermax deal. According to Rick Bonnell of The Observer, the Hornets presented a five-year, $170 million deal instead—a deal that ultimately sealed Kemba’s exit. The three-time All-Star has reportedly informed his team that he plans to sign with Celtics upon entering free agency.
Per ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski:
Sources say the Celtics have targeted Walker, 29, as the No. 1 priority in free agency, an elite-level replacement for Kyrie Irving, who is expected to depart in free agency. Walker had his best season as a pro in 2018-19, averaging 25.8 points without missing a game.
NBA free agency opens this Sunday; however, the deals cannot be finalized until July 6.
