Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Kemba Walker, F Kenrich Williams, 2022 first-round pick (via LAC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C/F Kristaps Porzingis, G Josh Richardson
Kemba Walker would give the Dallas Mavericks a score-first point guard in the lineup. The idea is that Luka Doncic had to shoulder such a heavy burden during the playoffs and didn’t have another player to turn to that could run pick-and-rolls or isolate at a high-level. Kemba Walker would ideally become that player in this NBA trade scenario.
This trade would help the Mavericks because it would land them a point guard while sending away a player that could be disgruntled. They would also get Kenrich Williams and a first-round pick in 2022 while being able to move on from Josh Richardson, who would need to opt-in for his final-year player option to be included in a potential deal.
The Thunder would receive Kristaps Porzingis as the centerpiece of the deal. He would certainly be the main option with a young Thunder squad struggling to compete. He would align much closer with the timeline of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
From a salary cap standpoint, both Kristaps Porzingis and Kemba Walker have three more years remaining on their current contracts. Porzingis will earn $31.6 million in 2021-22 while Walker will be at $36 million. Kenrich Williams is sitting at just $2.0 million for next season compared to the $11.6 million that Richardson will command.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 dark-horse potential trade destinations for Mavericks’ Kristaps Porzingis
Something to keep in mind, Oklahoma City could use the $12.8 million Trevor Ariza trade exception they have when taking on on Richardson’s contract.
Let’s take a closer look and see how this NBA trade scenario centered around Kemba Walker would impact both the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder.
