New York Knicks: How signing a superstar impacts their incumbent teams

New York Knicks: How a superstar signing impacts their incumbent team

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 4: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Charlotte Hornets Kemba Walker (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kemba Walker

Unlike Butler, Kemba Walker is the face of the Charlotte Hornets, which has stood the case since they were the Bobcats. Losing him is disastrous for this franchise, and like the others, there is a realistic chance for him to leave.

The Hornets have attempted to add pieces around Walker, but none have approached his talent caliber. Nicolas Batum was once a top addition, but making $24 million to average fewer than 10 points per game leaves much to be desired, and he has two years left on this long-term deal. Jeremy Lamb came into his own for 15.3 points, but the scoring options are few.

Attribute this to disappointing draft picks, including Frank Kaminsky and Malik Monk.

Charlotte has no cap space to make free agent moves, as well. Unless they are creative via trade, Walker might re-join a similar, if not identical team.

Without Walker, the Hornets will sink to the bottom of the NBA. Not as dramatically as the Cavaliers since they were in the NBA Finals, but this could become a playoff team on the brink to a 60-loss group by 2019-20.

If Walker goes to the New York Knicks, he brings legitimacy to their point guard spot. If he teams with a superstar forward, it would be, by far, his best teammate since entering the NBA. Who knows how much better this 2011 NCAA Tournament champion would play.