The Charlotte Hornets Should Trade Kemba Walker

Adam Aaronson
Jul 28, 2017 · 3 min read

With the 11th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected Malik Monk, an undersized Shooting Guard from Kentucky who isn’t a good defender but can score in bunches. The problem is, his skillset does not fit well with that of longtime Hornets Point Guard Kemba Walker.

Both are good athletes, both can score at will, neither are good defenders, and they both need their opposites beside them. These players can only reach their ceilings if they share a backcourt with a player who is a versatile defender, and doesn’t need the ball to succeed. Walker and Monk next to each other could very well be a trainwreck, not because of their talents, but because of their fit. They will be destroyed on the defensive side of the ball, and although they both can be very good players, it just isn’t going to work out.

The time is now for the Hornets to move on from Walker, in exchange for young players with defensive potential and/or future draft picks. Luckily, he still has pretty good value. He’s on a very good contract for two more seasons, and despite his shortcomings, he is definitely an above-average player.

There are quite a few teams that would be good destinations for Kemba. The key for Charlotte should be to get a young Point Guard who is a great defender in the package for Walker. So, what teams could make a push for him?

Orlando Magic

What they have to offer: Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, 2018 first-round pick

If the Hornets can get a package like this for Kemba Walker, they should seriously consider taking it. Payton fits the archetype of a player who can play well with Monk, aside from his shaky shooting. Take a shot on the Payton-Monk pairing, and if it doesn’t end up working out, you still have a great backup in Ross and a valuable draft pick. Plus, Payton at least brings the best hair on the team.

New York Knicks

What they have to offer: Frank Ntilikina, Kyle O’Quinn

Trading Walker for Ntilikina would signal an incoming rebuild, which wouldn’t be a problem at all. Because the rookie backcourt of Frank and Monk would be the ideal fit. Ntilikina struggles to create, but is a very good and very flexible defender who can guard players at multiple positions. That fits perfectly with Monk, a ball-dominant playmaker who isn’t good on defense. The Hornets should definitely look to put this young backcourt together right now and allow the two rookie guards to develop their skillsets together.

Los Angeles Clippers

What they have to offer: Patrick Beverley, Wesley Johnson, Sam Dekker

If Hornets GM Rich Cho can extract a package like this for Walker, he should take it immediately. Beverley is a fantastic fit with Monk, Johnson has always been an underused talent, and Dekker has serious potential as a quality two-way player that can create good shots for himself.


It’s unfortunate, but the time has come. He’s accomplished great things as a Hornet, but it’s time for Charlotte to move on from Kemba Walker as they transition into building around Malik Monk.

Adam Aaronson

Written by

Sports writer for The Unprofessionals (unprofession.com)

The Unprofessionals

Relentlessly honest opinions on all things sports and entertainment.

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