There have been many rumors recently regarding Kemba Walker’s future with the Boston Celtics, and the two seem to be heading towards a split.
A recent report states that the Celtics and San Antonio Spurs had previously discussed a trade involving Kemba Walker and LaMarcus Aldridge prior to this season’s trade deadline.
Aldridge retired during the season after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
"For Kemba to hear his name in trade rumors… that absolutely has frustrated him"
@SIChrisMannix discusses Kemba Walker with @trenni pic.twitter.com/ZG8ZewPRAv— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 9, 2021
“The Celtics front office was looking for a way to get out from under that contract,” said Sports Illustrated‘s Chris Mannix. “They ultimately were not able to do it despite having conversations with multiple teams over the last several months. I was told they discussed a deal involving Kemba Walker and LaMarcus Aldridge when Aldridge was still in San Antonio, primarily because Aldridge was on the last year of his contract whereas Kemba Walker has two years currently at about $76 million remaining on this contract.”
Walker is coming off a season in which he averaged 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. He dealt with multiple injuries which lead him to only play in a total of 43 games.
The 31-year-old does have two years left on his contract. Walker holds a player option for the 2022-23 season, and it is difficult to envision a scenario in which he declines it.
With it being likely that Walker has played his last game with the Celtics, it will be interesting to see what type of offers Boston receives in exchange for the four-time All-Star.
