Dallas Mavericks rumor roundup: Kemba Walker likely leaving Hornets

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly targeting Kemba Walker this summer. Rick Bonnell writes Walker is likely on his way out of Charlotte.

The Dallas Mavericks are ready to return to the postseason. They have been on the outside looking in for three consecutive seasons. Their recent rebuild has seen them win 33, 24, and 33 games over the last three years. The entire organization is hungry for a playoff return.

Next season will be a changing of the guard for the Mavericks as well. The legend Dirk Nowitzki has retired after 21 seasons in Dallas. The team will be built around 20-year-old Luka Doncic who took the NBA by storm as a rookie. The Mavs also traded for All-Star Kristaps Porzingis to be his running mate. The young duo will attempt to lead the team back to the playoffs without Dirk.

The Mavericks also have cap space to spend this offseason. The exact figures ride on a number of cap holds for free agents and Dwight Powell’s decision on his player option. The Mavs could also create additional money by using the stretch provision or making a trade. Expect Dallas to be active this summer.

Kemba to Dallas?

Back in March, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer wrote that Kemba Walker was expected to be the Dallas Mavericks top target in free agency this summer.

The reasoning is sound. Walker is an All-Star guard that would help the Mavs form a big-three that could push past the playoffs and into title contention. He is underrated despite his accolades too.

The newest development comes in another piece by Rick Bonnell. He looks at the likelihood of each Hornets player being on the roster next season in a fantastic piece in the Charlotte Observer which can be read here.

Bonnell pegs Kemba’s odds at remaining in Charlotte at just 30 percent. Making a trade that would push the Hornets into contention would be the only way of keeping Walker according to the article.

That opens the door for the Mavericks. They have demonstrated their desire to contend with the Kristaps Porzingis trade and being aggressive in rebuilding around Luka Doncic. Playing with two young stars would be reason for any player to want to come to Dallas. Expect the Mavs to make a hard push to sign Kemba Walker, but remember the franchise has not had much luck in pulling in big-time free agents.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks free agent target Kemba Walker is likely leaving the Hornets according to the Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell. Expect Dallas to be in hot pursuit of Walker when free agency opens on July 1.

Mavericks fans should brace themselves for a wild offseason. Their first-round pick dangles at the fate of the lottery. The Mavs have cap space to spend in an offseason with as many as seven 2019 All-Stars hitting the open market. The organization will also be setting up events to honor the recently retired legend, Dirk Nowitzki. Expect a busy and exciting summer.

There is no better time to be a Dallas Mavericks fan, and The Smoking Cuban will have you covered with all the opinions and analysis that cannot be found anywhere else.