Kemba Walker needs help.
Despite having the best season of his career, the first-time All-Star was unable to lead the Charlotte Hornets to the postseason.
Having been ruled out for the final two games of the campaign, Walker's thinking about the future - specifically, how his squad can improve.
Asked which impending free agents could help make the Hornets better, the 26-year-old replied (via Q City Metro's Glenn Burkins):
"I think one of the bigger free agents this year is probably Blake Griffin. I think Blake would be a great fit for us. I mean, don't get y'alls' hopes up. (laughter) It sounds good."
Indeed, the Los Angeles Clippers power forward is expected to opt out of his deal following the campaign. The five-time All-Star would be a major upgrade at the four-spot - where Charlotte currently employs Marvin Williams and Frank Kaminsky - and take some pressure off of Walker, who's relied on heavily to run the offense.
Griffin's averaging 21.7 points, 8.1 boards, 4.9 assists, and a steal per game in his seventh season in Lob City.
While the 28-year-old All-NBA talent has made a point not to publicly discuss his free agency while the season's in progress, he's been linked in rumors to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Related: Griffin would reportedly consider Lakers, Celtics in free agency
Griffin has a player option on his contract worth $21.3 million next year, which he'll likely turn down this summer in search of a new longer and more lucrative deal. The Clips own his Bird rights, so they can go over the salary cap and offer him the most money.
The Hornets, who'll finish 11th in the East after making the playoffs last year, must do some maneuvering to sign Griffin, or anyone really. They have about $102 million in guaranteed contracts tied up for 2017-18, when the cap's projected to be set at $101 million.
