2 fallen stars the OKC Thunder could give CP3 treatment to
By Mark Nilon
Fallen star OKC Thunder could take chance on No. 2) Kemba Walker
Last offseason, the Boston Celtics were rumored to be scouring the trade market for a buyer for All-Star point guard Kemba Walker and his remaining three years of his $140 million contract.
Now, a few months into the season, rumors have once again surfaced suggesting that the team’s front office appears to be set on re-visiting the trade market this coming summer, with Evan Massey of Hoops Analysis suggesting that he has some insider information on such rumblings:
A former #NBA exec told @HoopAnalysisNet that he thinks the #Celtics will trade Kemba Walker this offseason.
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) March 30, 2021
"They tried in the offseason. Had a few offers on the table and almost pulled the trigger. Kemba is very likely to be on the move this coming offseason."
Similar to the situation that transpired with Chris Paul at the end of his second season with the Houston Rockets, Kemba is a point guard who has dealt with nagging injuries all year, which has been a huge factor in the C’s underwhelming performance.
At this point, General Manager Danny Ainge may simply wish to strike a deal with any taker for the sole purpose of ridding of the former All-Star’s albatross contract.
With the ample cap space that the Thunder have, coupled with their recent track record when dealing injury-prone star guards, perhaps the Sooner State could prove to be a quality landing spot for all parties involved.
Just a season removed from being named an All-Star starter, and two seasons removed from being named All-NBA, yes, the 30-year-old Walker is in the midst of a down season but is still posting impressive averages of 17.8 points, 4.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game on 40 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from deep.
His willingness to play as a second fiddle alongside Jayson Tatum last season despite already being a perennial All-Star himself helped aid in the young stud’s ascent into stardom, which could, in theory, be duplicated in Oklahoma City with Gilgeous-Alexander.
Should his stock completely plummet — which is certainly not a far-fetched concept –, the Thunder should strongly consider buying low on a fallen franchise player who, by all accounts, should be in the midst of his prime.
Perhaps, like CP3, Kemba Walker can re-gain his star status in Oklahoma.
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