Kemba Walker Gets Buy Out, Plans To Sign With Knicks

Four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker has reportedly zeroed in on signing with the New York Knicks after reaching a contract buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC will be paying the point guard a total of $74 million, due for the remaining two years of his agreement. Kemba joined Oklahoma City in June as part of a transaction involving his former team, the Boston Celtics.

First reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:

"Four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker has agreed to a contract buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and upon clearing waivers, plans to sign with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN.

"OKC’s Sam Presti and Walker’s agents at Excel Sports, Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips, worked through buyout on the two years, $74M left on Walker’s contract in recent days. Walker gets a dream homecoming to Madison Square Garden to further solidify New York’s backcourt."

News of the acquisition received generally positive feedback across social media. The Knicks fan base expect their acquisition of the All-Star caliber guard to help expedite the quasi-rebuild that New York has set in motion; welcoming the Bronx native after an injury-riddled season in 2020 with Boston.

By adding to an ascending roster including Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Nerlens Noel and other key role players, the Knicks hope to repeat their success from last season; finishing as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Tom Thibodeau received Coach of the Year honors — aided by the Knicks' return to the postseason, their first since 2012-2013.

New York drafted shooting guard Quentin Grimes in the 2021 NBA Draft, expecting a promising backcourt to give the Knicks' offense a formidable boost for the upcoming year.

Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela