The Boston Celtics are facing the likelihood of losing All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in free agency.
Specifically, it seems that Irving is already gone. He’s been linked to the Brooklyn Nets and could sign a max deal the minute free agency opens up.
Not really wanting to sit back and wait for that eventuality to occur, the Celtics are remaining proactive.
According to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, Boston is now favored to land Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard Kemba Walker.
Financially, we’re not 100 percent sure how this would work. Boston has a combined $88-plus million in cap holds with Irving, Horford, Marcus Morris and Terry Rozier.
If the Celtics were to renounce these free agents, they’d definitely have the money to offer Walker a max contract. However, Boston intends on doing what it can to at least retain Rozier.
As it relates to Walker, he can receive north of $50 million more in guaranteed cash by re-signing with Charlotte after earning All-NBA team honors last season.
Even then, it seems that the three-time All-Star will be taking multiple free-agent visits. That should include the Celtics.