The Charlotte Hornets will not be returning to the playoffs this year, and their All-Star guard is already looking ahead to the free agent recruitment trail.
In a recent interview with Glenn Burkins of Q City Metro, Kemba Walker specifically mentioned Los Angeles Clippers big man Blake Griffin as a free agent who would make for a nice fit on the Hornets.
“I think one of the bigger free agents this year is probably Blake Griffin,” said Walker. “I think Blake would be a great fit for us. I mean, don’t get y’all’s hopes up. (laughter) It sounds good.”
The 28-year-old Griffin, who is averaging 21.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this year, has a $21.4 million player option for the 2017-18 season that he seems likely to decline in order to test free agency. On paper, he would indeed be a strong fit in Charlotte, as their power forward depth chart currently consists of Marvin Williams, who is more of a hybrid forward, and Frank Kaminsky, who may have a higher ceiling as a stretch five.
However, it’s difficult to envision the five-time All-Star leaving behind more money, more years, and his entertainment interests in Los Angeles, even if we heard recently that he might actually be growing more open to the idea. The fact of the matter is that the Hornets are a small-market, non-contending team, and even if Griffin does wind up leaving the Clippers, other interested parties probably stand a much better chance of landing him.
H/T theScore
