In a massive splash move on Wednesday morning, the New York Knicks landed star point guard Kemba Walker, who is finalizing a contract buy-out with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Walker is coming off a four-year, $140.7 million deal and was projected to earn $36 million this upcoming season with a $37.6 million player option in 2022.
Instead, Walker will sign a brand new contract in New York after averaging 19.3 points, 4.9 assists, and shooting 42% from the field last season over 43 games. Having landed four All-Star appearances in the last five years, the Knicks finally have their point guard of the future, as the Bronx native has been eyeing a return home for quite some time.
Just two years ago, Kemba averaged 20.4 points, 4.8 assists, and shot 42.5% from the field with a 38% clip from the three-point over 8.4 attempts per game.
This massive move injects Walker into a point guard room including Derrick Rose, Miles McBride, and Luca Vildoza. However, Luca has a non-guaranteed contract, so the Knicks could theoretically let him go and save $3.3 million for the upcoming season.
As a fantastic ball-handler and offensive weapon, Cardiac-Kemba should add a significant name next to Julius Randle, taking a ton of pressure off the star power forward. The Knicks we’re looking to make a splash in free agency, and while they focused on bringing back some of their own, this undoubtedly takes the cake.
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