Charlotte Hornets fans have had a tough 2019 free agency given the shocking departure of long time point guard Kemba Walker. Walker, who was drafted by Charlotte in 2011, was a consistent— often singular — bright spot for the team from their transition from the Bobcats era to the present.
Despite many seasons of mediocracy, coaching changes, and setbacks, Walker was still willing to re-sign with Charlotte.
With both sides seemingly motivated to reach a new deal, it came as a surprise that negotiations were not only unfruitful, but lackluster. As reported by Stadium’s Shams Charania, the Hornets low-balled their franchise star with a contract nearly $60 million dollars less than what they could have offered him with an exclusive supermax deal.