The Boston Celtics may be dealing with a lot of changeover and at least two star players leaving in free agency this summer, but that does not mean general manager Danny Ainge is going to accept not being competitive next season.
Marc Stein of the New York Times reports that the Celtics are gaining traction as a “stealth suitor” for Kemba Walker. While they still have some major details to sort out, they could have plenty of salary cap space if both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford sign elsewhere.
The Celtics, I'm told, are emerging as a stealth suitor for Charlotte Hornets free agent Kemba Walker
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2019
Boston's cap-room situation is a fluid one but the Celtics, as Danny Ainge has acknowledged, are weighing their various needs as we speak in both the backcourt (with Kyrie Irving — and possibly Terry Rozier — leaving) and frontcourt (with Al Horford exiting)
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2019
Walker has plenty of history with the New England area, as he put UConn on his back and led the Huskies to a national title back in 2011. The 29-year-old is eligible for a supermax contract and has expressed a desire to remain with the Charlotte Hornets, but he has also given hints that money will not be the deciding factor for him.
Replacing Irving with Walker would be close to a lateral move for Boston. While Irving is a better player overall, Walker averaged a career-high 25.6 points last season and has tremendous leadership ability. The problems Irving had leading the Celtics this past season were well documented, so perhaps Walker would be a better fit.
