Report: Kemba Walker to join New York Knicks

Kemba Walker, a man who needs no introduction around these parts, has reportedly arranged a buyout for his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder and will be signing with the New York Knicks as a free agent, according to multiple reports including Woj and Shams.

After starring at UConn and leading the Huskies to an improbable 2011 national championship, Walker was drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats with the 9th overall pick and stayed with that franchise for eight seasons, making the NBA All-Star game in his final three. Walker was then traded to the Boston Celtics, where he was expected to bring a young, talented team over the top in the Eastern Conference.

That didn’t really play out as planned, especially as Kemba dealt with injuries throughout his time in Boston. Walker averaged over 20 points per game and made his fourth All-Star appearance in his first year with the Celtics, who made the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Miami. Kemba only played 43 games the following season and struggled in the playoffs as Boston was eliminated by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.

Boston gave up quite a bit to move Kemba to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a deal which happened after the season. But now he’ll be on the New York Knicks for the upcoming season and beyond. Kemba is a New York City native, having grown up in the Bronx and played at Rice High School. This should be an incredible homecoming for Walker at this stage in his career and a welcome sign for UConn fans who will be able to catch his games easily.