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What it means now that the Boston Celtics are the Frontrunners to Sign Kemba Walker

By Isaac Moore

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics exchanges handshakes with Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during a pre-season game on September 28, 2018 at Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics exchanges handshakes with Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during a pre-season game on September 28, 2018 at Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With free agency looming, the Boston Celtics are on the verge of making another big splash.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that the Boston Celtics are the “strong frontrunners” to sign Charlotte Hornets free agent point guard, Kemba Walker.

"Walker, a three-time All-Star, is expected to be offered a four-year, $141 million contract from the Celtics — a deal that he’s increasingly likely to accept, league sources say."

Wojnarowski also goes on to say on ESPN that “barring an unforeseen change of events here, Kemba Walker is going to leave Charlotte, he’s going to head to Boston.”

After constant speculation that Kyrie Irving and Al Horford will be leaving Boston, it should be excellent for Celtics fans to have a “Woj bomb” serve as a beneficiary for once.

Walker, an east coast native, will be able to fit right into Brad Stevens’ offensive system and can easily replace the production provided by Irving for the last two years; and without the off-court drama.

Walker is beloved and lauded around the league as a high character guy, and a true leader, something that eluded Irving during his relatively brief stay in Bean Town.

That doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as the Celtics draft picks all had the “good guy trait” in common. Re-establishing the culture while acquiring enough talent to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference seems to be the focus this summer for the franchise.

To make room for Walker, the Celtics will have to renounce the rights to Terry Rozier and Marcus Morris. They will not be returning to the Celtics next year.

After signing Walker, the Celtics essentially have no cap space left ($1.4M) and will have to rely on exceptions to fill out the rest of the roster.

With Walker included, this is a rough estimate of the roster:

Point Guards:

Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Carson Edwards, Tremont Waters

Shooting Guards:

Jaylen Brown, Romeo Langford

Small Forward:

Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, Semi Ojeleye

Power Forwards:

Grant Williams, Guershon Yabusele

Centers: 

Robert Williams

Boston has access to the Room Exception worth $4.8M. With a robust free agent class of centers, Boston should be able to strike a deal for a big man.

Some names that come to mind are Robin Lopez, Dewayne Dedmon, Taj Gibson, JaVale McGee, and Kyle O’Quinn. It’s also possible for the Celtics to bring back Daniel Theis using his bird rights if he doesn’t return overseas.

After using their Exceptions and any available Bird Rights, Boston can fill out the remaining roster spots with minimum contracts. A player like Tacko Fall, who has a chance to play on Boston’s summer league team could be useful if they keep him around.

Next. Projected depth chart for 2019-20 Celtics. dark

A core of Walker, Hayward, Tatum, Brown, and Smart can make some serious noise in an Eastern Conference that’s still up in the air pending a few free agent signings.

Don’t count the Celtics out yet.