NBA Rumors: Hornets Hoping Kemba Sticks To Previous 'Less Pay To Stay' Statement

Kemba Walker, one of the top free agents this summer, may be lost to the Charlotte Hornets after his home team reportedly offered him less than $170 million to re-sign with the ballclub. Unless there was some sort of undisclosed agreement, the possibility is high that the 29-year-old All-Star guard may opt to sign elsewhere with a larger long-term deal.

According to a source, the Hornets were allegedly not too keen on handing Walker something higher than $170 million and on a longer lease. According to the Charlotte Observer, the reason behind it is that the franchise is concerned about paying the league's luxury tax. The Michael Jordan-owned ballclub find themselves with a clogged payroll with five players eating up about $84 million for next NBA season. So unless Charlotte makes some moves to free up some space to improve that offer, the three-time NBA All-Star may be good as gone.

According to ESPN, Walker does have options. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics are in pursuit with the latter believed to be the favorite to land the services of the 9th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. With Kyrie Irving on his way out, Celtics team president is believed to be leaning on getting Walker to fill up that void. Hence, it may all now boil to money or loyalty as far as the two-time NBA Sportsmanship awardee is concerned.

And while most believe that Walker is bound to play for another NBA team next season, it will be interesting if his take earlier this month will have any effect. As reported in a previous post, the 6-foot-1 guard was allegedly keeping an open mind in taking less money to stay with the only team he has played for since entering the league in 2011.

Regardless of this development, Walker is expected to go through the motions of listening to what other teams will pitch to him. Seeing how he can earn extra millions and join teams like the Lakers and the Celtics who have higher chances of winning an NBA title, the possibilities could change his stance and lure him out of Charlotte.

Should that happen, however, Walker will need to make the necessary adjustments with his next team. The fact is that if he agrees to join a contending team, his role will change considerably. This includes having fewer touches on the ball with multiple NBA stars on the rosters of most teams in pursuit of his services.