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Kemba Walker rumors: Mavericks considered front-runners

By Matt Verderame

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 08: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 08: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks already have a pair of young stars in Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic. Adding Kemba Walker this offseason would be quite the move.

Mark Cuban has never been afraid to go all-in when he sees a target he wants. This summer, that target could be Kemba Walker.

According to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops, the Mavericks are a favorite to steal Walker away from the Charlotte Hornets. Walker, 28, has played the first eight years of his NBA career with the Hornets, but is now hitting free agency after playing out a four-year, $48 million deal.

While Walker isn’t the biggest name of this upcoming free agency period, he’s certainly among them. The headlines will likely go to Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard among others, but Walker’s talents shouldn’t be brushed aside. This year, despite playing with an extremely limited supporting cast, the former UConn star was able to notch 25.6 points, 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds in a little more than 31 minutes per game.

Looking at the cap space going into the 2019-20 season, Dallas should be in prime shape to take on a huge hit. With the salary cap being set at $109 million, the Mavericks are estimated to have only $56 million in commitments. In fact, the Mavericks are in terrific shape for the long term, only having one contract (Tim Hardaway Jr.) running past next season that isn’t a rookie deal.

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While Walker is going to undoubtedly field offers from a legion of teams — perhaps even his hometown New York Knicks — the Mavericks make ample sense both on the court and in the financials.

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