Jan 28, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Knicks guard Kemba Walker (8) brings the ball up the court against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks and Kemba Walker are in agreement that the four-time All-Star guard will not return this season in order to prepare for 2022-23, ESPN reported Wednesday.
Walker, 31, signed a two-year contract with New York after an August buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He made 37 starts for the Knicks, averaging a career-low 11.6 points with 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds. He missed 10 games after being dropped from the rotation by coach Tom Thibodeau in late November, then missed 10 more games from Dec. 31-Jan. 17 with a knee issue.
According to ESPN, the Knicks plan to work with Walker’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, to look for a trade partner in the offseason.
Walker has career averages of 19.5 points, 5.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 741 games (696 starts) with Charlotte (2011-19), Boston (2019-21) and New York.
The Knicks (25-34) are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. They return from the All-Star break to host the Miami Heat on Friday night.
–Field Level Media