DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Boston Celtics have emerged as 'the frontrunner' for free agent point guard Kemba Walker, Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday morning.
Wojnarowski's sources say Walker's time in Charlotte 'appears to be coming to a close' after owner Michael Jordan determined he didn't want to 'extend far enough financially to re-sign his franchise player.'
Boston, who entered the fray with the Dallas Mavericks and others after it became apparent that Kyrie Irving and Al Horford would be going elsewhere in free agency, is expected to offer Walker a four-year, $141 million contract when free agency begins on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Wojnarowski goes on to write that Walker is 'increasingly likely to accept' Boston's offer, putting the Mavericks in danger of being left at the altar, once again.
But are they actually out here?
The 'front-runner' and 'favorite' stuff usually seems premature ... the result of agents' manipulation ... and often turns out to be not at all the result. https://t.co/o9Vo4xBFMe
— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) June 27, 2019105.3 The Fan's Mike Fisher says you can tap the breaks on it for now.
'The 'front-runner' and 'favorite' stuff usually seems premature ... the result of agents' manipulation ... and often turns out to be not at all the result.'
On Tuesday it appeared to be a three-team race between Dallas, Boston, and Charlotte.
Per Marc Stein, the Mavericks and Celtics would be at the "front of the line" to secure Walker when free agency begins.
Fish has reported throughout the offseason that Walker is a key target for Dallas in free agency. Stein agreed with Fish on the Ben and Skin Show last week, saying: "They're going to swing for the fences because that's what Mark Cuban wants to do," Stein said on 105.3 The Fan. "I think it's fair to say that if Kemba Walker doesn't go back to Charlotte then the Mavs have as good a chance as any to steal him away. If you said name the team Charlotte is most concerned about it would not be the Lakers, it would not be the Knicks, it would be the Mavericks.
"So, I do think the Mavs will have their day and have their say with Kemba Walker, and maybe they're going to get him."
