Charlotte Hornets: 5 potential Kemba Walker trades
By Simon Smith
1. Phoenix Suns
With the selection of No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, the impending contract extension of rising star Devin Booker, and the addition of free agent Trevor Ariza, the Suns are certainly heading in the right direction. However, the one glaring weakness on the roster at present is the point guard spot.
With a glut of players on the wing and in the forecourt, the Suns represent a terrific trading partner for the Hornets should Phoenix be willing to invest in Walker moving forward.
Among the young promising players on the Suns’ roster include Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender. However, in the event of acquiring a player of Walker’s caliber, Josh Jackson is the most attractive of the prospective youngsters. The No. 4 overall pick in 2017, Jackson averaged 13.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in 77 appearances, improving noticeably as the season progressed. Over his final 29 games of the season, Jackson raised his numbers to 18.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
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Due to the salary discrepancy, the Suns will need to include an additional player in order for the salaries to align. In this case, it’s Tyson Chandler, a useful locker room veteran whose expiring contract comes off the books next summer.
In addition to including Chandler, a future first round selection (top-10 protected) will also be heading the Hornets’ way. Furthermore, the Suns will be receiving swingman Jeremy Lamb, fresh off a career season in which he averaged 12.9 points in 24.6 minutes per game.
The one caveat here is the Suns would have to be good enough in 2018-19 to convince Walker to re-sign after a one-year trial run. Kemba and Booker in the same backcourt would be deadly, but is this team good enough to make the playoffs in the loaded West? Phoenix would have to be sure in order to part with Jackson and a first round pick for what could wind up being a one-year rental.
Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Overall, the ability to nab an exciting young prospect in Jackson, while also gaining a future first round selection means the deal, makes complete sense for a Hornets’ franchise that should be heading toward a rebuilding stage.