Michael Jordan Thanks Kemba Walker's 'Incredible' Hornets Run After Celtics Deal

After Kemba Walker moved on from the Charlotte Hornets, team owner Michael Jordan thanked the point guard for his efforts in an official statement:

"On behalf of the entire Hornets organization, I want to thank Kemba for eight incredible seasons with our franchise. He always represented the Hornets, the NBA and the city of Charlotte with class—both on the court and in the community—and we are disappointed he is leaving. He’s a special player, with a tremendous heart and tireless work ethic. Kemba is truly one of the best to ever play for our team. We wish him and his family all the best in the future."

Walker has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $141 million deal with the Boston Celtics, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

According to Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer, the team offered only around $160 million for five years, far short of the $221-plus million allowed for a supermax player.

Although the Hornets lowballed Walker, he was their foundation for the past eight seasons.

The 29-year-old has earned an All-Star selection each of the last three years and was named third-team All-NBA this past season after averaging a career-high 25.6 points per game. He did so despite the limited talent around him that caused the squad to miss the playoffs for three straight seasons.

Jordan referred to him as one of the best in the organization's history, which is true based on numbers.

According to Basketball Reference, Walker leads the franchise in total win shares, including the Bobcats years and the first iteration of the Hornets from 1988-2002.

"​I gave that organization every single thing I could give them," Walker said on SportsCenterSunday, via Tim Bontemps of ESPN. "Now it's about competing at the highest level."

Meanwhile, the Hornets will have to try to retool without their best player.