Hornets' Jordan sets high price for star G Walker
Any team wishing to acquire star point guard Kemba Walker from the Charlotte Hornets is going to have to pay up.
Hornets owner Michael Jordan told the Charlotte Observer on Monday night that he's not looking to trade Walker, but "would listen to opportunities" regarding a deal for the 27-year-old. However, the asking price is high.
"It's not like we are shopping him. We would not just give him up. I love Kemba Walker. I would not trade him for anything but an All-Star player," Jordan said.
Multiple reports last week indicated the Hornets have decided to shop Walker after failing to generate much interest in their other players. Charlotte is reportedly hopeful a willingness to move the 2017 All-Star might tempt a team to pick up one of the players with a bad contract as well.
For his part, Walker told reporters Friday he'd be upset if he were dealt.
"This is where I got my opportunity," said Walker, the team's first-round draft choice in 2011. "I've been here for seven years and do a lot with the community. I've gotten to know a lot of the fans. A lot of the fans have a lot of love for me, as well as I got love for them.
"Of course I'm going to be tied to this place. This is kind of where I've grown up. This is definitely home."
Walker is averaging 21.8 points, 5.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 43 games this season. Charlotte is 19-26, which has it 11th in the Eastern Conference.
"Obviously, the season has been a disappointment so far, and there have been teams asking about players. Also, we've been asking about players," Jordan told the Observer. "We ask teams who they like on our roster and they always say Kemba.
"Yes, it's disappointing where we are, but I haven't given up on the season."
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 8.
--Field Level Media
