Kemba Walker willing to take less than supermax with Hornets

Kemba Walker has said numerous times that his top choice this offseason would be re-signing with the Charlotte Hornets, and he may even be willing to give the team a hometown discount to make that happen.

Walker became eligible for a supermax contract when he made the All-NBA Third Team this season, and the Hornets can pay him as much as $221 million over five years. When asked on Thursday if he would consider taking less than that to help Charlotte build a better roster around him, Walker said that is a possibility.

“Yeah, why not. I would be. I would take less, for sure,” the point guard said, per Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

Walker reiterated that the Hornets are his “first priority,” but he said he is prepared to play elsewhere if it doesn’t work out. The most another team can offer him is a four-year, $140 million deal, so New Orleans has a big advantage. Even if Walker takes less than the $221 million, he could still, in theory, make a lot more from the Hornets than any other team.

There has been some talk about the New York Knicks potentially trying to pry Walker away from Charlotte, but one report claims they may be fighting an uphill battle. Unless something changes, all signs continue to point to Walker re-signing with the Hornets.