Michael Jordan, owner of the Hornets, establishes a steep asking price for sought-after point guard Kemba Walker.
In the bustling heart of the NBA, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves at a crossroads with their star point guard, Kemba Walker. The 11th-placed team in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 19-26, is reportedly considering a move that could shake up the league before the February 8 trade deadline.
Walker, who has been with the Hornets for seven years and was their first-round draft choice in 2011, has a strong emotional connection to the Charlotte community, referring to it as 'home'. This sentiment is echoed by Michael Jordan, the team's owner, who has expressed his admiration for Walker's performance on the court.
However, Jordan has also made it clear that he would not trade Walker for anything but an All-Star player. Yet, multiple reports indicate that the Hornets have decided to shop Walker, perhaps due to the high asking price for the star point guard.
The asking price is undoubtedly steep, and so far, no team has shown willingness to pay it. Teams have consistently expressed interest in Walker specifically, but the specific details of the players they are inquiring about or offering were not disclosed.
Jordan has stated that there have been teams asking about players on the Charlotte roster, suggesting that the Hornets might be looking to balance the deal. Reports also suggest that the Hornets are hopeful that a willingness to trade Walker might tempt a team to pick up one of their players with a bad contract.
Despite the potential trade, Jordan has not given up on the current season of the Charlotte Hornets. He stated in a recent conversation with the Observer that he would listen to opportunities but was not actively looking to trade Walker.
Walker himself has expressed that he would be upset if he were traded, adding a personal dimension to the potential move. The star point guard is averaging 21.8 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 43 games this season, making him a valuable asset to any team.
As the trade deadline approaches, the fate of Kemba Walker in Charlotte remains uncertain. Yet, one thing is clear: his strong connection with the community and the team will be missed if he were to leave. The Hornets will have to weigh the potential benefits of a trade against the loss of a beloved player and a vital part of their team.
