Charlotte Hornets: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Storyline 1: Will Kemba Walker stay or go?

In an ideal world for Charlotte, the team would be able to see Nicolas Batum get back to his usual productive self and then trade him away to get out under from his contract. That would make it easier to retain star point guard Kemba Walker.

But that could be too high expectations for Batum and the Hornets will have a tough time getting anyone interested in the guaranteed $49.6 million he’s owed over the next two years (plus he’s got a $27.1 million player option available in 2020-21). The salary cap for the NBA is expected to go up to $109 million for 2018-19, but that small increase may not be enough for the organization come next offseason as they already have $109 million allocated for all contracts next year.

Walker staying or going could be dependent on which players opt into their player options. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is due $13 million, Marvin Williams set to make $15 million and Biyombo could scoop up a cool $17 million.

Walker has continually stated that he wants to continue to build on what there is in Charlotte, but as it currently stands, whatever contract he receives will push the envelope on the team’s luxury tax. His status would have a ripple effect on the Hornets’ ability to make moves in free agency as well, with both Jeremy Lamb and Frank Kaminsky set to be two of the team’s free agents after the season.

The Hornets may very well pay up for Kemba Walker and deal with the luxury tax penalties for 2019-20. They have very few players signed beyond next season to possibly make a max contract worth it in the short-term. If they don’t, then the team will look to sell him to a point guard needy team (the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns come to mind right away) and completely start the rebuilding process.