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Michael Jordan: Hornets ‘not looking to trade’ Kemba Walker
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All posts by Basketball InsidersUpdated13 hours ago on April 24, 2024
Charlotte Hornets majority owner Michael Jordan said Monday night he’s not looking to trade point guard Kemba Walker, and would do so only if the return included a major All-Star, such as the San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard.
“We bred him, we chose him, we groomed him to be a good player for us,” Jordan said of Walker, who the Hornets drafted ninth overall in 2011, to a great extent because Jordan saw traits in Walker that reminded him of his own playing career.
“I’m not looking to trade Kemba, but I would listen to opportunities.”
As Jordan pointed out, his team has underachieved. An expensive veteran roster — they traded for future Hall of Fame center Dwight Howard in June — hasn’t clicked as a group on a regular basis. Jordan said there have been eight to 10 games this season he feels the Hornets should have won and didn’t.
Walker was clearly rattled Friday, following practice, when asked about the reports his name has been discussed in a possible trade. He said he would be “devastated” if the Hornets dealt him after six-plus seasons here. Walker has set down deep roots in the community and is currently building a new home here.
Walker, 27, said Friday his ultimate goal would be to play his entire career in Charlotte, which he now considers home.
