Kemba Walker is planning to leave the Charlotte Hornets for the Boston Celtics, as expected.
According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, Walker has informed the Hornets that he intends to join the Boston Celtics once he can sign a free agent contract on July 6.
.@KembaWalker has conveyed to the @hornets he intends to sign with the Boston Celtics once free-agent contracts are allowed July 6, multiple sources say.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) June 29, 2019
Shams Charania of The Athletic added that Walker will sign a four-year, $141 million max deal with Boston.
Kemba Walker plans to commit to a four-year, $141M maximum contract with the Boston Celtics after free agency opens on Sunday, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2019
This more or less officially seals Kyrie Irving’s departure from Boston, as Walker is essentially his replacement. It’s also a huge blow to Charlotte, who wanted to keep Walker but seemingly low-balled him in initial negotiations.
Walker averaged a career-best 25.6 points per game last season and will immediately become the focal point of Boston’s new lineup.
