As Kyrie Irving continues to drift away from a future with the Boston Celtics, it appears the organization is sincere in its pursuit of All-Star guard Kemba Walker.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday morning that the Celtics are now the “frontrunner” to sign Walker at the start of free agency on Sunday.
Walker, an eight-year veteran and unrestricted free agent this summer, was rumored to be a considerable target earlier this week.
The consolation option in Walker has grown more feasible. With the potential losses of Irving, Al Horford and Marcus Morris in the forthcoming days, Boston has an opportunity to clear the necessary cap space for a max contract. Depending on whether the team plans to renounce the rights to restricted free agent and backup point guard Terry Rozier, the front office could have up to $32 million to use on another star player.
Walker averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game last season with the Charlotte Hornets.
Per Wojnarowski, the Celtics plan to offer him a four-year, $141 million contract.
