NBA: Pistons acquire Kemba Walker in three-team deal
FILE–Kemba Walker shipped out of New York Knicks. Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker reportedly was shipped from the New York Knicks to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday as part of a three-team, draft-night trade.
The Charlotte Hornets selected Memphis center Jalen Duren with the 13th overall pick, and he was dealt to the Pistons, according to multiple media reports.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Pistons agreed to accept Walker and his expiring contract (one year, $9.2 million remaining), while sending Charlotte a top-four protected 2025 first-round pick that originally belonged to the Milwaukee Bucks. Detroit had acquired that draft choice on Wednesday in a trade that sent Jerami Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to multiple media reports, the Pistons plan to discuss a contract buyout with Walker.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced on the draft broadcast that the Hornets also will get four future second-round draft picks.
Article continues after this advertisementIn his lone season with the Knicks, Walker appeared in just 37 games, all starts, but was left inactive for the final 23 contests. He averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 assists and three rebounds.
Over his career with Charlotte (2011-12 to 2018-19), the Boston Celtics (2019-20 to 2020-21) and New York, Walker is averaging 19.5 points, 5.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds.
Duran, 18, was named the top freshman in the American Athletic Conference last season after averaging 12 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. The 6-foot-11 center amassed 21 points and 20 rebounds in a conference tournament win over UCF.
