Does a Kemba Walker trade make sense for the Sixers?

By Christopher Kline | Jan 19, 2018

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Kemba Walker is on the market, but the Philadelphia 76ers might not have enough to get him.

The Philadelphia 76ers are in need of perimeter depth. Aside from their starters and T.J. McConnell, they’ve gotten little in terms of positive results, whether it be poor shooting from Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot or the painfully mistake-prone nature of Jerryd Bayless‘ play.

At this point, the primary debate surrounding this Sixers team is whether or not they should chase help now or in the offseason. Some folks want to make a push for Lou Williams or Tyreke Evans at the deadline, while others would rather chase a long-term deal in the offseason — without risking future assets.

Now another, slightly more appealing name has worked its way onto the radar: Kemba Walker.

As the Hornets trudge through another down year in their prolonged stint of mediocrity, Michael Jordan‘s team is finally willing to part ways with their All-Star point guard. That’d open the door for an all-out rebuild, so it’s safe to assume they’re looking for young assets and draft picks in return.

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That’s where the Sixers and their unique situation come into play. They have the young assets and the draft picks to make a deal work, but whether or not Walker is worth it is another question. Is he the kind of star that can push Philly to the next competitive level?

In short, the answer there in yes. Walker gives the Sixers a dynamic halfcourt creator they desperately lack, especially when Ben Simmons is out of the game. He’d help prevent the offense from stagnating while giving them a firmer No. 2 option alongside Embiid.

If Walker is in a Sixers uniform, expect them to make the playoffs. That seems like a reasonably safe bet, although nothing is guarateed with this group.

For some, the primary argument against Walker might be Markelle Fultz. Walker and Fultz can share the court on paper, but that may limit Fultz’s upside and progression. It’d also require Fultz to get his shot back, and we still have no idea when (or if) that will happen.

The opposite can also be argued: If you don’t believe in Fultz, adding a dynamic point guard on a plus contract is more appealing. For all the benefits that come with Simmons handling the ball, there are plenty of positives that comes with putting another ball handler on the floor with him — especially in crunch time. Look no further than T.J. McConnell’s last few games to see the value in that.

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You’d also have to give up some serious assets to get Walker if you do think he benefits the team. The Lakers or Kings pick might be on the table, while future picks would also be discussed. Somebody like Robert Covington or Dario Saric — depending on how Charlotte wants to work out the contract differences — could be involved as well. It’s be a significant roster shake-up.

If he’s on the team, Walker makes the Sixers better. He’s also 27, so he has some prime years left. But there will be questions about whether or not he fits the timeline that Embiid and Simmons are currently pacing.

His aforementioned contract also comes into play. He’s signed through the 2018-19 season for just $12 million and he has bird rights, making him one of the cheapest stars in the league. Charlotte won’t be taking low-ball offers for somebody who’s a) cheap and b) not on an expiring contract. Teams, including the Sixers, would have to pay full price in a competitive market.

So, with all of that taken into consideration, this is still a debate that could go either way. There are multiple angles and perspectives at play here, so the answer is anything but definitive. Yes he’s a short-term gain, but he could also help push the Sixers to another level in the coming years.

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I doubt Bryan Colangelo makes a move on this, but it’s at least worth discussing. Walker has been single-handedly keeping Charlotte afloat for a long, long time.