Hornets' Kupchak: Kemba 'the focal point of this franchise'

As rumors of a potential Kemba Walker trade continue to pop up - most recently on Friday, when he was again linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers - the Charlotte Hornets don't sound like they have any plan to move the point guard.

"I know ownership, and myself included, look at (Walker) as the focal point of this franchise going forward," general manager Mitch Kupchak said, according to the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell. "We hope (he) is with us, not only for the next couple of years, but he ends his career here."

Still, the Hornets' hand could eventually be forced. Walker is entering the final year of a four-year, $48-million contract, a relative bargain by today's standards.

"He is on a (contract) that may make it a challenge going forward to figure out (the best course) before he becomes a free agent," Kupchak said.

Back in January, Hornets owner Michael Jordan responded to Walker trade rumors by saying he'd only deal his point guard for another star. "I love Kemba Walker," Jordan said at the time. "I would not trade him for anything but an All-Star player."

Walker is the longest-tenured player on a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 2016. The two-time All-Star has been the only real constant on an often-injured roster that goes into next season under new head coach James Borrego.