The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign veteran guard Kemba Walker to address another creator’s apparent need. Luka Doncic‘s Support Cast, the source was confirmed to ESPN.
Dallas abandons reserve point guard Facundo Campazzowhose deal is not guaranteed, creates an open roster spot for Walker, sources said.
The 31-year-old Walker, a four-time All-Star whose career was derailed by knee problems, has been a free agent since being waived by the Detroit Pistons in mid-October. He had 11.6 points and 3.5 assists. The Knicks traded him to the Pistons on draft night. The cost-cutting move helped New York create salary his cap space for signing former Mavericks guards. Jalen Branson at free agency.
Dallas, who fell 9-10 after a 0-3 trip that culminated in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, saw the scoring and playmaking provided by Branson during their run to the Western Conference Finals last season. missed the
Doncic leads the NBA with 33.1 points per game, but opponents are increasingly trapping, double-teaming to take the ball out of his hands and boldly outmaneuver his teammates. The Mavs struggle to score when Doncic is resting, and when off the floor he averages only 104.0 points per 100 possessions. They’re 0-6 when he’s not scored 30 points, including a loss to the Houston Rockets when Doncic didn’t play for a break.
The Mavs tried to give Walker the biggest contract in free agency in 2019, but he chose to accept the same offer from the Boston Celtics. was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Al HorfordWalker received a buyout from the Thunder and signed a two-year contract with the Knicks.
Walker’s tenure with the Knicks unofficially ended during the All-Star break when the team announced he would no longer play for them.
Walker has been training in Florida this season and is waiting for an opportunity to sign with an NBA team.
“I’m just making sure I’m right and making sure I’m ready,” Walker said during an appearance on “The Woj Pod” earlier this month. I know I’m capable, and I know I can still play basketball at a high level.”
The Mavs’ plans to sign Walker were first reported on Substack.
