Mavericks to Waive Kemba Walker

The Mavericks are waiving point guard Kemba Walker, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Walker, 32, appeared in nine games after signing back in November, averaging 8.0 points and 2.1 assists. He scored 32 in a road game against the Cavaliers last month.

As MacMahon reported, the Mavs are trying to give rookie guard Jaden Hardy more playing time, and two-way guard McKinley Wright IV has been playing well.

Walker’s contract was set to become guaranteed on Saturday, as relayed by Marc Stein of the Stein Line.

Walker spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Hornets, making the All-Star team on four occasions, the last being in 2020. He then landed with the Celtics, but has been suffering from knee issues since, limiting his mobility.

Still, he managed to average 13.7 points in the games the Knicks played him last season.

“I’ve got something in the tank for sure,” Walker recently said, via Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. “I feel great. I’m going to be honest. I’m going to have my opportunity. I’m not in any rush right now. I’m just grinding and trying to feel as good as I can. And right now, I feel great. I feel as good as I’ve felt in a long time. I’m just waiting for the opportunity.”

Sources: Mavs are waiving Kemba Walker, whose salary would have become guaranteed Saturday. Two-way G McKinley Wright IV has earned minutes and Mavs also want to leave path for rookie Jaden Hardy to get playing time. Walker had 32-point game for Mavs and was ultimate pro.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 6, 2023