All-Star point guard
Kemba Walker plans to reach a four-year, $140.6 million agreement with the
Boston Celtics once free agency begins on Sunday, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports.
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. Free agents cannot sign deals with teams until July 6.
Walker, a three-time All-Star who had one of the best seasons of his career in 2018-19 for Charlotte, fills the hole at point guard. He averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and shot 43.4% from the field, including 35.6% on 3-pointers.
If there was any doubt that
Kyrie Irving was leaving Boston in free agency (and there shouldn’t have been), it’s clear now.
The Celtics are re-tooling their roster on the fly in free agency and have the means to do so with Irving and Al Horford not returning to Boston.
Walker’s addition mitigates the loss of Irving, and ultimately might be a better long-term fit for Boston.
Walker, 29, was eligible for a five-year, $221.2 million supermax contract from the Hornets, but they came in with a five-year, $170 million offer, according to The Charlotte Observer. That offer all but sealed Walker’s departure after eight seasons with the Hornets.