New York has begun clearing cap room during a busy Draft night, reportedly trading the veteran point guard to Detroit.
From NBA.com News Services
June 24, 2022 2:50 AM
Kemba Walker is reportedly headed to Detroit, but may not be around for long.
New York is reportedly sending Kemba Walker to Detroit as part of a three-team trade that will also see the Pistons acquire No. 13 overall pick Jalen Duren from Charlotte, per multiple reports.
In exchange for Duren, the Hornets will reportedly acquire a future first-round pick and multiple future second-round picks.
Complete trade details have not yet been reported.
Charlotte receives:
• 2023 first-round pick (from Denver via Oklahoma City and New York)
• 2023 second-round pick (via New York)
• 2023 second-round pick (via Utah)
• 2023 second-round pick (most favorable of Dallas/Miami)
• 2024 second-round pick (via New York)
Detroit receives:
• 2022 draft rights to Jalen Duren (via Charlotte)
• Kemba Walker (via New York)
Knicks acquired Jalen Duren — and moved him with Kemba Walker to the Pistons, sources said. https://t.co/kzyljkrFnI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2022
Sources: #Hornets compensation for Jalen Duren:
2023 Denver 1st round pick2023 Knicks 2nd round pick2023 Utah 2nd round pick2023 Dallas/Miami 2nd round pick (most favorable)
2024 Knicks 2nd round pick
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) June 24, 2022
Walker, whose role fluctated wildly in his first and possibly only season in New York, is expected to discuss buyout options with the Pistons. Duren, a 6-foot-11 big man, figures to factor more heavily into Detroit’s future plans.
Kemba Walker and the Pistons are expected to discuss a contract buyout that will allow him to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Walker landed with Detroit as part of three-way trade with Charlotte and New York.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2022
New York, meanwhile, appears set on carving out cap space for when free agency officially opens next month. The Knicks had agreed on a trade that sent their No. 11 overall pick to Oklahoma City in exchange for three future first-round picks. This latest deal would also send out Walker’s $9 million remaining salary, while returning another future first, a protected pick originally belonging to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Clarifying: The Knicks will also be acquiring the Bucks 2025 first-round pick in the Pistons-Knicks-Hornets trade, per league sources. The Pistons got that MIL pick from Portland in the Jerami Grant deal yesterday.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 24, 2022