3 Celtics players who won’t be back next season

1. Kemba Walker

Walker’s second season with the Celtics was plagued by a lingering knee issue, as he played just 43 regular-season games and missed the final two games of the series against the Nets. When he was available, Walker put up his typical numbers before scoring 17 points or less in all three playoff games he played in.

Brian Robb of MassLive quickly reported the Celtics are expected to shop Walker this offseason.

"Kemba Walker is one of the most overpaid players in the NBA and league sources expect the Celtics to explore moving him in a trade to help create some current and future salary flexibility and reduce what is currently set to be the highest tax bill in team history (if the team wants to re-sign Fournier for market value)."

There is, of course, the large matter of Walker’s contract. He is owed a little more than $73 million over the next two seasons, albeit with the second year as a possible out due to a player option.

If there were a few offers on the table last offseason, an injury-riddled season won’t bolster Walker’s trade market this summer. But that’s not to say there won’t still be a suitor or two. The Los Angeles Clippers, as they remain all-in with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, makes sense as a team who could have interest.

If Stevens goes all-in to blow up the roster around Tatum and Brown, offloading Walker and his contract would be the biggest move he can make. The odds don’t seem great, as his stock is trending down and his salary goes up. But if we’ve learned anything about NBA players being moved, it’s never-say-never. Walker is not untouchable, and the Celtics should be able to get someone to engage in talks about a deal.