Kemba Walker’s free agency just took a stunning Celtics twist

The Celtics may have found a replacement for Kyrie Irving. The Hornets may be losing the face of their franchise.

Though Kemba Walker has repeatedly stated his preference to remain with the team that drafted him in 2011, The Athletic reports that a sizable gap exists between the impending free agent and the Hornets. This has created a “stalemate,” which has allowed the Celtics to emerge as the front-runner to sign the All-Star guard when free agency opens Sunday, according to ESPN.

Coming off a career year, in which Walker averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds, the 29-year-old was named to the All-NBA Third Team, making him eligible to receive a super-max extension from Charlotte, which could pay $221 million over five years. Competitors — such as Boston, Dallas and the Knicks — can offer no more than a four-year, $141 million contract.

Despite Walker’s popularity in Charlotte, the franchise could opt to rebuild, appearing hesitant to give so much money to a leading man, who hasn’t been able to lead the team to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons in the weaker conference. Boston, which appears likely to lose Irving and Al Horford, could remain in contention for the Eastern Conference crown with the addition of Walker, who led UConn to a national championship, and has a stellar locker room reputation.

Walker just finished playing off a team-friendly four-year, $48 million deal. Even if his first choice is to remain in Charlotte, he may not be willing to take another discounted deal.