NBA Trade Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Kemba Walker this month

After playing three years of basketball with Connecticut, Kemba Walker was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2011 NBA draft. Walker has remained with the Charlotte franchise ever since and the point guard has slowly developed into one of the NBA's best point guards.

Walker has averaged at least 20 points per game in each of his last three seasons, and this year the 28-year-old is averaging 25.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. Thanks largely to Walker's excellent on-court performances, the Hornets remain in the hunt for a place in the 2019 postseason, and Walker himself looks set to be named to the All-Star team for a third consecutive season.

Nevertheless, Walker will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and the Hornets are yet to show their star man that he can contend with the team. Due to this, Walker could be traded before the trade deadline, and here are three teams that should consider making a move for the All-Star.

#3 New York Knicks

New Orleans Pelicans v Charlotte Hornets

It is questionable whether the New York Knicks have the assets to complete a deal for Kemba Walker, however, there is no doubting that Walker would breathe life into the struggling New York franchise. The Knicks have failed to reach the playoffs since 2013, although the team has big plans this summer, as the team wants to acquire Kevin Durant.

During his impending free agency, Durant will command interest from around the NBA, and if the Knicks can already boast having Kemba Walker on their roster, the franchise's chances of signing KD may be significantly increased.

While the Knicks have nothing left to play for this season due to their 10-33 record, signing Walker now could be the teams only option, as the 28-year-old is likely to command a max deal this summer.

#2 New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently scrambling to make a number of high profile signings before the February trade deadline, as the organization is desperate to convince Anthony Davis to stay with the team that he has been with since 2012.

One of the positions that the team needs to strengthen is at point guard, as the Pelicans have struggled to replace Rajon Rondo since he left the team to join the Los Angeles Lakers last the summer. Elfrid Payton is the teams current starting guard, although doubts remain over the 24-year-old's ability to steer a team into the playoffs.

A Pelicans move for Walker would not only strengthen the team's playoff push but also demonstrate to Davis that New Orleans are serious about contending. Ultimately, it is a move that makes a great deal of sense for the Pelicans, and the organization has enough assets to get a deal done.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are well known to be looking for a second All-Star to pair with LeBron James, although all signs pointed to the Lakers waiting until the summer of 2019 to sign Anthony Davis. Nevertheless, since LeBron James was injured during the teams Christmas Day win over the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers have struggled, and the team has slipped out of the Western Conference playoff places.

It has become increasingly evident that the Lakers need further additions before the February trade deadline, and Kemba Walker would provide a significant upgrade over both Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo. The prospect of Walker and LeBron James playing alongside each other is an exciting one for Lakers fans, and thanks to Walker's expiring contract, the Lakers should be able to acquire the point guard, in return for a member of their young core.