[brid autoplay=”true” video=”789506″ player=”23231″ title=”NBA%20MVP%20Race%20202122%20The%20old%20and%20the%20young%20converge” duration=”53″ description=”With the 2020-21 regular season now a thing of the past, we saw injuries impact some of the game’s best players. It will impact the NBA MVP race once the final votes are tallied. Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid are the three finalists for the award. It will be announced in June with Jokic being the heavy favorite.This got us thinking about the top candidates for the 2021-22 NBA MVP award. Sure some of these names will remain unchanged. But there’s a number of young players set to take major steps forward next season. Below, we provide you with our early NBA MVP rankings for the 2021-22 campaign.” uploaddate=”2021-05-27″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/789506_t_1622082648.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/789506.mp4″]
Less than two weeks after Kemba Walker was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the NBA’s marquee point guards could soon be on the move for a second time this summer.
According to the New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield another blockbuster deal involving the All-Star guard is imminent. With that in mind, let’s examine three potential landing spots for a Kemba Walker trade.
Kemba Walker traded to New York Knicks
The New York Knicks pursued Kemba Walker in 2019, viewing the star point guard as the answer to years of issues at the position. While both sides are in a much different place entering the 2021 NBA offseason, Walker is still an intriguing fit for New York.
Things didn’t work out in Boston, but Walker wasn’t a bad player for the Celtics in 2019. He averaged 19.3 points and 4.9 assists per game, proving he can still be a quality point guard. Durability is a concern, but this is also a four-time All-Star selection who is capable of leading a team.
- Kemba Walker stats (2020): 19.3 ppg, 4.9 apg, 42% shooter, 36% from 3 -point range, 1.1 spg
New York boasts more than enough cap room to absorb Walker’s contract and its depth at guard would allow for Tom Thibodeau to mix things up. While Thibodeau’s reputation is for his starters leading the NBA in minutes played, he would likely take a more cautious approach with Walker. If the Knicks can’t get Damian Lillard, Walker is a viable alternative and he would be a hit at Madison Square Garden.
Chicago Bulls take a chance at point guard
The Chicago Bulls need to be aggressive this offseason. The front office already gave up draft assets for Nikola Vucevic, so its chips are on the table. With Zach LaVine entering the final year of his deal, Chicago needs to show him something for the 26-year-old to believe it’s worth sticking around.
Coby White at point guard simply isn’t working out. While the former No. 7 pick has shown flashes in his first two seasons, he isn’t a playoff-caliber guard. But he would be an attractive trade chip to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who would happily buy low on him and are already willing to move Walker.
Given the Bulls lack the resources to pull off any other blockbuster moves, Walker is likely the best option for a team in a difficult spot.
Dallas Mavericks acquire Kemba Walker
There’s a new regime in Dallas. Everyone has reason to question the hire of Nike’s Nico Harrison as general manager and we’ve covered the Jason Kidd decision. One thing is certain, big changes are coming and that means a roster overhaul.
There shouldn’t be much doubt that Walker and Doncic could coexist on the court. Bringing in another top guard who is capable of creating his own shot or feeding a teammate would ease the burden on Doncic’s shoulders. The impact would be felt most in the playoffs, where opponents like the Los Angeles Clippers wouldn’t be able to throw everything they have defensively toward Doncic.