NBA Free Agency: 3 Best Landing Spots For Kemba Walker This Summer

Following another dismal season, the Charlotte Hornets once again missed out on the playoffs. Despite the form of Kemba Walker and a lack of competition in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets could only muster a 39-43 record, which saw the team finish 9th.

Unlike other strugglers around the NBA, the Hornets do not have the cap space to make a major splash this summer, and Walker has been continually linked with a move away from the team that he has been with since 2012.

Walker is entering free agency following the best season of his career, and if he opts to leave Charlotte, there will be no shortage of interest in a man that averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. So, ahead of his impending free-agency, here are three potential destinations for Kemba Walker.

#3 Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to build a team around Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks have not qualified for the playoffs since 2016. The team finished the 18/19 season with a 33-49 record, however, the potential All-Star pairing of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis has managed to instil excitement in the Mavericks' fanbase.

Nevertheless, Porzingis is coming off an injury-hit couple of seasons, and the retirement of Dirk Nowitzki has also created a huge hole in the roster. The strength of the Western Conference also makes Dallas' route to the playoffs a tough one.

Evidently, the Mavericks may need more quality to compete next season, and the team has the cap space to add someone like Walker. The potential trio of Doncic, Porzingis, and Walker looks exceedingly promising, and with other major free agents unlikely to consider Dallas as a destination, the Mavericks are likely to go all-in on the Hornets point guard.

#2 Utah Jazz

Walker could replace Ricky Rubio as the Jazz's starting point guard

Ricky Rubio has played a major part in the Utah Jazz's recent revival, however, the Spanish guard looks increasingly likely to exit the team this summer. Just like Walker, Rubio is about to hit free agency, and the Jazz actively tried to trade away the 28-year-old ahead of the February trade deadline.

The expiration of Rubio's near $15 million-per-year deal will give the Jazz some flexibility this summer, and a new point guard will be an immediate priority. Dante Exum has yet to demonstrate that he can step up to the starting lineup, whereas Donovan Mitchell has performed better at the SG spot.

The presence of Rudy Gobert would help to hide Walker's defensive limitations, and there is little doubt that the Jazz would be a stronger outfit next season with Walker pulling the team's offensive strings.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

Walker would be the Lakers' second All-Star, joining LeBron James

The Lakers are expected to go all-in to lure Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis this summer, however, there are no guarantees that the team will land any of their prime targets. Leonard and Irving are believed to prefer moves to the Clippers and Knicks respectively, whereas the Pelicans reportedly prefer to send Davis to Boston.

This potentially leaves the Lakers looking towards 'Plan B', and Walker is likely to be among LA's alternative targets. At 29, Walker is entering the prime of his career, and unlike Irving, the point guard seems content to take a backup role to LeBron James.

With Rajon Rondo likely to exit the team this summer, and Lonzo Ball's future in doubt, the Lakers are in desperate need of a point guard, and if he chooses to move on from the Hornets, the signing of Walker should be a no brainer for the Lakers.