NBA rumors are flying around the Association’s water cooler at a great clip on the eve of the 2020 draft and with free agency slated to start here soon.
Some of these rumors have turned into concrete blockbuster trades. We might soon have another one involving Boston Celtics All-Star guard Kemba Walker heading to the Chicago Bulls.
NBA rumors: Bulls asked Celtics about Kemba Walker trade
According to Kevin O’Connoer of the The Ringer, Chicago’s inquiry came after the Celtics had separate trade conversations with the New Orleans Pelicans that would have brought Jrue Holiday to Boston for Gordon Hayward and three first-round picks.
As we noted, NBA rumors are going around at a fever pitch. For the Celtics, that includes general manager Danny Ainge pretty much offering Kemba Walker to every team in exchange for a move up into the top 10. This likely isn’t as relevant now with Holiday being dealt to the conference rival Milwaukee Bucks.
Even then, it’s rather interesting.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Celtics, check out #Celtics rumors, rankings, and news here.
NBA rumors: Is Kemba Walker on the trade block?
It was just back in July of 2019 that Boston acquired Walker in a sign-and-trade with the Charlotte Hornets, inking the former All-Star guard to a four-year, $140.8 million contract in the process.
Walker, 30, went on to average 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 43% shooting from the field in his first season with the Celtics. They ultimately earned a trip in the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Miami Heat.
Apparently, Ainge and Co. are worried about the wear and tear on Walker’s knees as well as his relatively advanced age of 30. There’s no other explanation as to why Boston would be looking to move Walker after just one season.
Related: Blockbuster NBA trades coming next?
NBA rumors: What would a Kemba Walker trade to the Bulls look like?
At this point, it’s hard to gauge what type of value Walker would have on the trade market. Do other teams share Ainge’s reported concern over Walker’s knee? If so, his contract could be seen as an albatross.
However, it’s important to note that the Bulls called Boston up about Walker. NBA rumors have suggested that star wing Zach LaVine could be on the trade block. If that’s the case, he’d be a centerpiece heading back to Boston in a deal.
Here’s how a potential Walker trade could look.
- Bulls get: Kemba Walker, 14th pick
- Celtics get: Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter
Would that be too much for Chicago to offer up? It’s possible. What we do know is that the Bulls’ brass views last year’s lottery pick Coby White more as a shooting guard than a point guard. That makes the reported interest in Walker easier to believe.
The above-mentioned trade might also have to include Boston sending a second first-round pick to Chicago and another young player. But you get the idea.
Related: 2020 NBA Mock Draft
What we do know is that Boston is seeking yet another point guard. If it doesn’t come in the form of a Walker trade, the team might seek out help at this position in a rumored Gordon Hayward trade should he opt into his contract (as expected).
As for the Bulls, they have been linked to star point guard LaMelo Ball at No. 4 overall in Wednesday’s NBA Draft. Should that come to fruition, a Walker trade wouldn’t make much sense.
Stay tuned. It’s going to get crazy around the NBA.