It’s been quite the fall from grace for Kemba Walker. Two years ago, he signed with Boston thinking he would be the final piece to a contending team. It’s not a players fault for getting hurt. Kemba was just doing his job. But, that knee injury caused a lot of problems.
He now finds himself in OKC. However, the Thunder have said that they will help him find a new team to play for. His contract isn’t an ideal one to take on. OKC has the cap space to handle it. If Kemba does end up staying, his knee is still the big question. However, he instantly becomes a veteran presence and mentor to a young team. Walker is scheduled to make $36,016,200 for the 21-22 season.
If not OKC
Kemba is a bench player as this point his his career. If the Thunder trade him, it’s likely that they’ll have to help the new team pay his salary. The idea of Kemba agreeing to restructure his deal is possible, but unlikely. The Knicks and Spurs have the space to handle the contract as well. Would he fit with those teams? Probably a little to early to tell.
On paper, it makes sense. Both teams could use scoring off the bench. They were 20th and 26th in the NBA respectively in that category. When healthy, Kemba is an elite scorer. Not to mention he brings a great attitude and positivity everywhere he goes. The Knicks are on the way up again, while the Spurs seem a little lost. The Thunder were third to last in bench scoring and are in rebuild mode. Safe to say all three teams could use Kemba’s help.
It’s hard not to feel bad for him. A good player, great person, and normally a solid addition to any team. An unfortunate set of circumstances has lead to Kemba being seen as a liability who may not have much left. It may not be true, he it will be up to him to prove the doubters wrong.
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