Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 potential destinations for Kemba Walker

By Bryan Toporek

Mandatory Credit: Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images /
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DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 12: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on October 12, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 12: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on October 12, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Dallas Mavericks

Armed with likely Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic and 2017-18 All-Star Kristaps Porzingis, the Dallas Mavericks have the foundation of a promising core in place.

This summer, they may be hunting for the third member of a new Big Three.

In mid-March, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reported “two sources with knowledge of the Mavericks’ thinking expect Walker … to be that team’s top target when NBA free agency begins” (via Dan Feldman of NBC Sports). While ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski didn’t go that far, he reported Dallas would be “very interested” in Walker during ESPN’s recent mock draft special.

However, Mike Fisher of 247Sports refuted Bonnell’s report, saying it was “way off…like, two to four guys off.” Fisher argued the Mavericks would first pursue the top-tier free agents on the market such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant (prior to his Achilles injury) before turning their attention to Walker.

It’s fair to wonder whether Walker would be the best fit in Dallas, as the 29-year-old isn’t on the same development curve as Doncic (20) and Porzingis (23). He’s an electrifying scorer, having averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game this past season, but it might be difficult for Dallas to build an elite defense with him at the point of attack.

If Dwight Powell picks up his $10.3 million player option as expected, the Mavericks will fall roughly $500,000 short of what they’d need to offer Walker his full max starting salary of $32.7 million. The Mavericks might pursue him if they’re desperate to make a big free-agent splash, but other options on the market make more sense for both sides.

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