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NBA trade rumors: Calling BS on stars allegedly ‘on the block’

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images /

Kemba Walker

Last Friday, rumors began swirling about the availability of Kemba Walker. The Charlotte Hornets’ star point guard was taken aback by the news, but team owner Michael Jordan seemed to step up and stomp out any suggestion that the All-Star would be on the move.

Or did he?

Here’s this quote from Jordan, courtesy of the Charlotte Observer‘s Rick Bonnell:

"“It’s not like we are shopping him. We would not just give him up. I love Kemba Walker. I would not trade him for anything but an All-Star player.”"

Okay, so here’s what I got from that, in my own words: “We are definitely not trading Kemba Walker unless a deal I like comes across my desk.” Does that sound about right? Jordan didn’t come out and smother the rumors — he instead seemed to immediately hedge his bet.

And why wouldn’t he? The Hornets clearly aren’t contenders, even in an Eastern Conference without any true juggernauts. They currently sit in 12th place, but have enjoyed some success in recent weeks. Regardless, it seems highly unlikely they achieve anything more than a quick first round exit in 2018.

Related Story: NBA trade rumors: 7 potential Kemba Walker trades

Is it time for Charlotte to rebuild? If Jordan and Steve Clifford believe so, maybe Walker truly is available. I don’t think they settle for the first proposal they get, but a strong offer including considerable draft assets could give them enough motivation to part with their 2011 first round pick.

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