Report: Celtics the Frontrunners to Sign Kemba Walker

The Boston Celtics are the frontrunners to sign Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard Kemba Walker when free agency opens on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The star of the University of Connecticut's 2011 National Championship team is one of the most sought-after free agents in this year's class, and would be a logical replacement for Kyrie Irving if he signs with the New Jersey Nets or another team as expected.

Rumors have surfaced in the past couple days that the Celtics were interested, but Wojnarowski's report adds a new level of certainty to that talk.

Shams Charania of The Athletic also chimed in on the Walker sweepstakes, saying talks with the Hornets have reached a "stalemate," leaving an opening for Boston and several other teams.

Walker, 29, averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game and was named an All-Star starter for the first time in the 2018-19 season. He's spent his entire 8-year career with the Hornets.

In order to clear enough cap space to sign Walker to a maximum contract, the Celtics would have to renounce their rights to free agents Irving, Al Horford, Marcus Morris and Terry Rozier.

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