Clippers Interested In Knicks’ Kemba Walker?

The Clippers are among the teams expected to have an interest in available Knicks point guard Kemba Walker, a source told Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network.

Walker was taken out of the rotation earlier this week as Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau looked for a spark in the lineup. Since then, at least three teams have contacted the Knicks about Walker’s availability, per ESPN’s Jordan Schultz.

None of the teams that have reportedly contracted the Knicks were identified, so it’s hard to know if the Clippers were one. Walker has also been linked to the Rockets, who have an available veteran point guard of their own in John Wall.

Meanwhile, the Clippers may be looking for help at the position with Eric Bledsoe and Reggie Jackson having somewhat up-and-down seasons.

But a Walker deal wouldn’t be easy for LA and would come with its own set of obstacles.

“While the offensive numbers don’t look completely terrible, Walker has become a massive defensive liability,” Massey wrote. “… Why would the Clippers have interest in trading for Kemba Walker? Quite simply, they are looking for any kind of firepower that they can bring in.”

In 18 games this season, Walker is averaging 11.7 points and 3.1 assists, far from his All-Star numbers of yesteryear. Knee issues limited him to just 43 games last season with the Celtics.

Still, there could be interest in him, as Walker has always been a pro and could still help a team as a veteran presence in reserve — similar to the role Derrick Rose is currently playing with the Knicks.

“League sources believe Walker’s value has the potential to change as the Knicks get closer to the Feb. 10 trade deadline and teams get more desperate to add a veteran who, despite his defensive shortcomings, has shown he can still make shots, albeit in a more limited capacity,” wrote A. Sherrod Blakely of Bleacher Report.

Walker received a two-year deal with the Knicks reportedly worth about $18 million before the season. Prior to that, he was traded from the Celtics to the Thunder, then agreed to a buyout with OKC. Because he signed an offseason deal, he is not eligible to be traded until Dec. 15.