Appearing at the Hornets/Celtics preseason game at Greensboro Coliseum on Friday, point guard Kemba Walker confirmed that he hasn’t gotten a satisfactory buyout offer from the Pistons yet and is remaining patient as he waits for his next NBA opportunity, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
The Pistons, who have 16 players on guaranteed contracts, are widely expected to waive Walker before the regular season begins, whether or not he agrees to forfeit any of the $9.17MM he’s owed in 2022/23. It doesn’t make sense for the veteran to give up money in a buyout agreement until another team offers him a guaranteed contract, and there’s no indication that has happened yet. But Walker feels healthy and believes it’s just a matter of time until he gets a shot from a new team.
“I’ve got something in the tank for sure,” he said. “I feel great. I’m going to be honest. I’m going to have my opportunity. I’m not in any rush right now. I’m just grinding and trying to feel as good as I can. And right now, I feel great. I feel as good as I’ve felt in a long time. I’m just waiting for the opportunity.”
A four-time All-Star, Walker has started every game he’s played since the 2014/15 season, but recognizes that after battling knee issues for the last few years, he can’t realistically expect to continue in that role going forward.
“I just want to be able to play basketball again; I don’t care if it’s the bench or not,” he said, per Washburn. “I started off my career playing basketball coming off the bench. Who cares? I just want to be able to play ball like I love to do, being around some great, great teammates and just have fun.”
There haven’t been many potential suitors connected to Walker this offseason, but one team rumored to have some interest is his old club in Charlotte. While it sounds like Walker is open to rejoining the Hornets before his career is over, he wants to make it clear that he doesn’t think he’ll be retiring anytime soon.
“That would be special,” Walker said when asked about a return to the Hornets. “(But) as far as closing my career, I’ve got a few more years left, in my opinion, so I’m not thinking about that yet. We’ll see. I’m just waiting. (Nobody’s) reached out to me. I’m just waiting.”
He’s done.
He used to be one of the most durable players in the NBA and now he became injury prone as his knees betrayed him. Poor guy
I think he’s done as a starter but I still think he can make for a good backup Point Guard. I think he will look great on the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo Ball need a backup unless they see something in Dennis Smith Jr.
I have no issue with a guy getting everything he can, but Walker doesn’t want to play too badly if he fussing over giving back an amount equal to a veteran’s minimum contract. He’s making over 36 mm this season between his OKC buyout and the current contract.
If he doesn’t have an offer, he’s just giving up money with no benefit. Like, vets min is still a couple mill for him isn’t it?
Yes, but only on the remote chance that he doesn’t sign with another team, or signs non-guaranteed with another team and is cut prior to January (when all contracts are guaranteed). Unless he’s hurt, that seems unlikely. Weigh that remote risk against the risk that if he waits until rosters are set, he’s likely to find it harder to find a role where he actually plays. If his risk-reward analysis is what it appears, he can’t have too much confidence in what’s left in the tank.
Why give it back until he actually has an offer on the table?
Would be cool to see him back on the hornets as a back up and helping LaMelo and other young guys like Bouknight.
Should try adapt his game to be more of a spot up shooter as his knees are so broken. Atleast then on close outs he can fake and get past guys with his handle.
Wonder is GSW could be a fit. If fit and healthy would be a solid back up to Curry coming off the bench and would help the young guys in their second unit
That’s true….I’d like to see that….
Garland could use another backup until Rubio returns