Charlotte Hornets: 5 potential Kemba Walker trades

4. New York Knicks

The revolving door of the New York Knicks’ head coaching position continued this offseason, with the firing of Jeff Hornacek and the hiring of David Fizdale. So after posting a 29-53 record and missing the postseason for the fifth consecutive year, changes are naturally afoot.

The Knicks wasted no time in this current free agency period by signing free agent swingman Mario Hezonja to a one-year deal. The No. 5 overall pick in 2015, Hezonja came into his own last year, averaging 14.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in his 30 appearances as a starter. Furthermore, his 37.8 percent return from long range in his starting role came further credence to his status as a former lottery pick. Still just 23, this is a terrific signing for the Knicks.

The main downside to the 2018-19 season is the uncertain status of Kristaps Porzingis, as he continues his rehabilitation from the ACL injury he suffered in February. That being said, there’s no reason if full healthy, that Porzingis can’t have some impact next season, possibly after the All-Star break.

Talk of Walker being linked to the Knicks commenced last season, with a report from Ian Begley of ESPN. While talks never really progressed, with Walker still a real possibility to depart at the end of the season for no return, such a deal has every chance of being rekindled.

While relinquishing a 2019 first round pick is not ideal for a team that will be missing its best player for a good chunk of the upcoming season, the signing of Hezonja and the addition No. 7 overall pick Kevin Knox should ensure the Knicks possess enough elite young talent on their roster for years to come.

Furthermore, a backcourt pairing of Walker and Tim Hardaway Jr. would provide Knicks fans with plenty of thrills as they look to surge back up the standings. The Knicks would hope Porzingis and the opportunity to play in a big market — and at Madison Square Garden, where Kemba clearly feels comfortable — could sway him to re-sign in 2019.

Most importantly from the Hornets’ perspective, the addition of a 2019 first round pick, considering the current state of the Knicks, is the feature of the deal moving forward.

Furthermore, in Emmanuel Mudiay, the Hornets are receiving a 22-year-old former lottery pick who has shown glimpses of his potential over his three seasons in the league. Pairing Mudiay with shooting guard Malik Monk in the backcourt, in addition to this year’s lottery selection in Miles Bridges, forms the nucleus of an exciting young team in Charlotte.

Lance Thomas would also be included for salary-matching purposes.