Could Kemba Walker help the Spurs?

Writer: Jameson White

According to multiple reports, the Charlotte Hornets have made Kemba Walker available via trade. If true, there should be plenty of suitors for the services of the young All-star point guard. The San Antonio Spurs have been thrown out there as a name when stating potential suitors, as the trade would come in the midst of Kawhi Leonard’s injury.

Credit to fansided.com

Whether San Antonio actually would trade for Walker seems unlikely. They have not made a mid-season trade since 2014, in which they shipped off Nando de Colo, their third-string point guard, to Toronto in return for Austin Daye, a third-string power forward; Mid-season trades are not what the Spurs do. However, the Spurs had never been common players in free agency, yet in 2015, they signed the best player on the market, LaMarcus Aldridge. It would take a lot, but it is not impossible.

For San Antonio to get Kemba Walker, they would likely have to give up two or three players, such as Rudy Gay, Dejounte Murray, Patty Mills, or Bryn Forbes, along with their 2018 first round pick. If this were completed, San Antonio would be right back in the mix for title contending.

Credit to Zimbio

Just the duo Kemba Walker and LaMarcus Aldridge itself is fascinating. Whether it is in a pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop play, the combination of the two All-stars would be deadly. Once Kawhi Leonard returns from injury, San Antonio would once again have a “Big Three” that could rival some of the best trios in the game. More profound of an impact than just a new group, San Antonio would finally have a viable point guard option to go to in crunch time. With their current point guards, neither Tony Parker or Patty Mills is capable of playing lockdown defense on the more athletic point guards in the association. Dejounte Murray, although long and athletic, is not yet polished on offense, and doesn’t have a reliable outside jump shot. Kemba Walker can address both of these issues, as he is young, athletic, an outstanding offensive talent, and a more than capable defender.

The Spurs may decide to go in the same direction and continue not to make the big blockbuster deals. The Spurs may go on a newer course and obtain a big name player, like that of Kemba Walker, via trade. One thing, however, is certain: The Spurs will be the Spurs, and they will just keep on winning.