Although it is still relatively early in the 2021-22 NBA season, rumors have consistently poured in regarding future NBA trades and potential buyout candidates.
One position that has been heavily mentioned in the rumor mill is point guard, with the names of several former All-Star players swirling about. As the season goes on, teams will certainly look to improve their backcourt by bolstering the point guard position, and luckily for them, there will be no shortage of potential names to make a run at. With that being said, let us take a look at a few former All-Star point guards that could be involved in NBA trades or buyouts this year.
NBA Trades: Former All-Star point guards who could be moved – Kemba Walker
The New York Knicks have struggled to find stability at the point guard position over the past few seasons, but it seemed like they found their answer by signing Kemba Walker in free agency. Well, that sentiment did not last long.
After 18 games, coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters that Walker will be out of the rotation for the foreseeable future, with Alec Burks taking over the floor general duties.
Walker has had a tough time holding up defensively for the Knicks this season, something that will not fly for a Thibodeau-coached team. This benching clouds his future with the franchise.
Bleacher Report’s A. Sherrod Blakely reported on Monday that league sources believe the Knicks will look to trade Walker, whose value is currently at an all-time low. Teams are not high on the guard right now, but perhaps that could change down the line as teams get a better feel of what they have at the position.
The four-time All-Star might not be capable of averaging 20 points on a nightly basis like the Kemba Walker of old, but he could surely boost another team’s point guard rotation. Although he has not looked like himself this season, the 31-year-old could bring a solid amount of scoring and playmaking to the table if teams can overlook his defensive shortcomings.
A buyout for Walker seems unlikely, as a trade would not be that challenging to negotiate. Walker signed a two-year deal worth just under $18 million this offseason, so he would be affordable for teams that are strapped for cash looking to make a splash.
Although Walker’s trade value is being labeled as non-existent, teams will likely come calling once he is eligible to be traded starting on December 15th. Keep an eye on the four-time All-Star, as he may have played his last game with New York.