Kemba Walker is returning to the hometown arena that made him a college star.
The Bronx native is reportedly finalizing a buyout with the Thunder, and after clearing waivers, will sign as a free agent with the Knicks, according to multiple reports. The move isn’t a major splash like signing Chris Paul or trading for Damian Lillard, but after signing Derrick Rose to a 3-year deal earlier this week, New York has solidified its point guard position for next season.
Point guard was a glaring position of need after last season, as Knicks starter Elfrid Payton saw his minutes dwindle down the stretch of the regular season before losing his starting job to Rose in the playoffs. Now, with Walker in the fold, Rose likely won’t be called upon for 30-plus minutes a night like he was in the playoffs, where he was nursing a nagging injury before New York was eliminated in five games by the Hawks.
Walker has battled injuries in recent years, and had two years and $74 million left on his contract. The 31-year-old made a name for himself at Madison Square Garden in his UConn days during the 2011 Big East Tournament, which led him to being drafted ninth overall by Charlotte in 2011.
Walker played in all 82 games during the 2018-19 season, but has played in just 99 games since, including 43 last year with the Celtics due to a nagging knee injury. He averaged 19.3 points, 4.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds last season, shooting 42 percent from the field and 36 percent from downtown. It was the first time in five years that he wasn’t named to the All-Star team.
Walker was traded to Oklahoma City back in June, but won’t play a game for them as he is headed home to New York.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch