Kemba Walker Rumors: Celtics, Hornets Favored to Sign Star; Mavs, Lakers in Mix

The Boston Celtics are reportedly considered the favorite to sign guard Kemba Walker in free agency this offseason.

According to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, Boston is favored over the Charlotte Hornets, followed by the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers:

Townsend added that the New York Knicks are "somewhere down the line" when compared to Walker's other suitors.

The 29-year-old Walker has spent his entire eight-year NBA career with the Hornets franchise.

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported Tuesday that the Celtics may be a "stealth suitor" for Walker's services.

Boston's roster could be in for a significant overall this offseason with several key free agents in line to leave. Guard Kyrie Irving, center Al Horford and forward Marcus Morris may all find themselves in new locales in 2019-20.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported last week that Irving is expected to depart Boston in favor of the Brooklyn Nets. That would leave the Celtics with a huge hole in their backcourt, especially if they don't retain restricted free agent Terry Rozier either.

Walker would be a quality replacement for Kyrie and a strong fit on a young, talented roster that already includes Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Gordon Hayward.

The 29-year-old Walker is one of the best pure scorers available, as he averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game last season. Walker has been named an All-Star in each of the past three seasons, and he is also highly durable with no more than three games missed in each of the past four campaigns.

Kemba Walker Reel

Walker is the unquestioned face of the Hornets franchise, which is why it is no guarantee that he will move on this offseason.

The former UConn star has been outspoken about wanting to remain in Charlotte, and even said this month that he would take less money to re-sign.

Aside from Boston and Charlotte, the Mavs and Lakers offer intriguing potential landing spots for Walker as well.

Dallas is an up-and-coming team in the Western Conference led by reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic and star big man Kristaps Porzingis. Meanwhile, the Lakers are poised for a deep playoff run with the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma.

Walker would give the Mavericks a legitimate "Big Three" and he would perhaps eliminate any doubt that the Lakers are the title favorites if he signs with them.

Aside from the top-tier free agents such as Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Irving, Walker will likely be one of the most highly sought after players on the open market this offseason.