NBA Rumors: Hornets Star Willing To Bargain Asking Price For Next Season

Kemba Walker is considered one of the top tier free agents this coming NBA offseason, a superstar that can certainly fill in the needs of teams like the Los Angeles Lakers. Alongside that comes big money - something only the Charlotte Hornets can give if they decide to reward him with a super max contract. If that is the case, the 29-year-old three-time NBA All-Star could get as much as $221 million spread throughout five years.

If money is to be the basis, there is no question that Walker would get the best one from the Hornets. However, the question up in the air is will the Michael Jordan-owned squad give that to him? What if he ends up getting less or at least equal to what other NBA teams are able to offer him?

According to the Associated Press, Walker is keeping an open mind about taking in less money. He also added that Charlotte remains his first priority although he is equally curious at what other teams would offer him. Equally interesting would be his interest in staying on with the Hornets if he would be getting lower pay.

One thing that the 9th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft will be factoring in is the team composition. Spending his entire NBA career with the Hornets, Walker is ready to stay on and see the franchise assemble a winning team. Without question, the 6-foot-1 guard will be the foundation for all of that, if not one of them.

Despite all this, Walker is still expected to be fielded offers by other teams. Even if his recent statements seem to lower the probability of him moving elsewhere, a consolation on the part of other teams is that the three-time NBA All-Star is willing to listen to them.

“That all factors in (to my decision) when I sit down with the teams and hear what guys have to say,” Walker said. “I think that will all come into play. I’m not really sure right now. Like I said Charlotte is my first priority and I have to see what (the Hornets) have to offer, as well as other teams.”

There are several teams reportedly interested in Walker such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Knicks. The Boston Celtics could also enter the picture with Kyrie Irving seemingly bent on testing the NBA free agent market as well. Much of this was covered in a previous post.