Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
J-Notes co-expert Jared Woodcox
It’s probably a long shot, but the trade that I’d be most excited to see the Utah Jazz carry out would be a move to acquire the Charlotte Hornets’ Kemba Walker. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton recently suggested a trade that would involve the Jazz sending Rodney Hood, Ricky Rubio, Derrick Favors and their 2018 first round pick for Walker, Jeremy Lamb and Marvin Williams.
While it’s not without its risks, I would be all for that trade or any similar variation.
Walker would finally bring some stability and reliable scoring to Utah’s ever-changing point guard position and a backcourt of Kemba and Donovan Mitchell would be an absolute blast to watch. Walker is a dynamic playmaker capable of creating his own shot and would help space the floor for the Jazz. Both of those aspects of his game are something Utah desperately needs.
Not only that, but he’s on a friendly contract for the next two years and although it might be quite costly, I could definitely see Kemba being the kind of guy who would re-sign with the organization that put their trust in him and traded for him. He’s been nothing but a high-character guy throughout his career and has expressed nothing but loyalty for Charlotte, so I could see him feeling the same way about the small market Utah Jazz.
The Hornets likely won’t deal him for anything other than an All-Star, as Michael Jordan made clear, but if Dennis Lindsey and Co. could somehow find a way to pry Kemba Walker away, I would be ecstatic.
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