Knicks Expected To Trade Kemba Walker Ahead Of Deadline

Kemba Walker, New York Knicks, NBA Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau made a shocking announcement on Monday. During the team’s off-day, as they prepared for their game against the Brooklyn Nets today, he shared that he will be making a change to the team’s starting lineup.

Kemba Walker was to be removed not only from the starting five but the rotation altogether. Alec Burks will be the team’s starting point guard going forward. It was a move that shocked a lot of people, especially after how he handled the rotation last season. But, it needed to happen.

Walker’s homecoming was a feel-good story as the Knicks have been seeking out a point guard for what feels like forever. The Bronx native, who has lit up Madison Square Garden playing for Rice in high school and Connecticut collegiately, was going to do it as a professional in a Knicks jersey now.

Unfortunately, the fairytale performances were few and far between. Walker struggled mightily on the defensive end, which is likely the reason he was ultimately removed from the rotation.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kemba Walker Out Of New York Knicks’ Rotation — Is He Done?

Not being a fit to come off the bench, as the Knicks already deploy 6’2” Derrick Rose and 6’3” Immanuel Quickley with the second unit, Walker will rack up DNP-Coach’s Decision and wait things out until his number is called again.

Having a veteran of that caliber as an emergency guard is never a bad thing, but he could eventually be on the move again. According to A. Sherrod Blakely of Bleacher Report, sources indicate New York will try and trade Walker.

“Multiple league sources believe the Knicks will look to trade Walker, whose value on the trade market, much like his production, is at an all-time low.

However, league sources believe Walker’s value has the potential to change as the Knicks get closer to the Feb. 10 trade deadline and teams get more desperate to add a veteran who, despite his defensive shortcomings, has shown he can still make shots, albeit in a more limited capacity.”

Walker is producing career-low numbers in counting stats, such as points, rebounds, and assists. However, he has shown that he can still be an effective shooter from the perimeter even if he can’t break down opponents and get to the rim as he previously did in his career.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kemba Walker Out Of New York Knicks’ Rotation — Is He Done?

Walker is making 41.3 percent of his 3-point attempts this season, making 2.1 attempts per game. Despite his shortcomings in other areas, there will likely be teams willing to take a chance on him that need a little scoring punch and shooting from their backcourt.

While things didn’t work out as planned with the New York Knicks, at least thus far, this likely isn’t the end for Kemba Walker as he should have a chance to get on the court again later this season.

New NBA Trade Intel Revealed About Bulls’ Zach LaVine

Despite efforts to find a new team for Zach LaVine during this season, the Chicago Bulls proved unable to trade the two-time NBA All-Star guard

Knicks Defeat 76ers 106-79 Amid Anunoby’s Return, Hart’s Triple-Double

The New York Knicks demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic prowess in their 106-79 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers during Tuesday’s NBA action, turning the tables

OG Anunoby’s Return Sparks Knicks To Victory Over 76ers: ‘Everything Felt Good’

In a stark turnaround from their recent scoring woes, the New York Knicks found rejuvenation with the return of OG Anunoby against the Philadelphia 76ers,