2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Kemba Walker

3. New York Knicks

Another team that might be able to persuade Kemba Walker to bolt from Charlotte and join them this offseason are the New York Knicks.

The first thing that jumps out when it comes to the Knicks is that the team and city has close ties to the All-Star point guard. Since growing up in the Bronx with the dream of playing in the NBA,  Kemba has a special place in his heart for New York. That alone could make the Knicks one of his final teams to choose from.

The Knicks, who have struggled for the last handful of seasons and have been on the search for a star player throughout that span, also offer the intriguing idea of allowing Walker to team up with another star heading into the 2019-20 campaign.

After trading a few key pieces last season, including shipping off Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks, New York has put itself in a position to be able to sign two players to max contracts during free agency.

In August, however, Walker told the Hartford Courant that, although the thought of returning back home to play for the Knicks is intriguing, he wants to remain in Charlotte with the Hornets moving forward.

"“I’ve been hearing it for years. Every time I come home, ‘When are you going to come home and play for the Knicks?’ Walker said. “I know it’s a special place, I was a Knicks fan growing up, always rooted for the home team. But I just can’t see myself in a Knicks jersey, only because I’ve only been in one jersey.”"

New York would not only offer Walker the ability to return to play for his hometown team, but could also offer him the ability to join forces with another top-tier player in the league and build a championship contender. That in itself could make the Knicks a possible landing spot.