Mavs Expected to Sign Kemba Walker

The Mavericks intend to sign free agent point guard Kemba Walker, with the sides taking part in advanced talks, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Dallas could bring in Walker as soon as this week, pending a physical, Stein added.

As part of the Walker signing, the Mavs will waive point guard Facundo Campazzo, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

It’s been a rough stretch for the Mavericks, who have lost four straight for the first time in coach Jason Kidd‘s tenure. Point guard Jalen Brunson left for the Knicks in free agency during the offseason, and the Mavs have been looking to fill that gap ever since.

Walker, 32, is 6-foot-1 and was acquired by the Pistons in an offseason trade with the Knicks. But he was waived by the Pistons prior to the start of the season. Knee issues seem to have limited his mobility in the past two of three seasons.

He spent the first eight years of his career with the Hornets, before being traded to the Celtics in 2020.

Boston then traded him to the Thunder in June 2021, and OKC waived him shortly thereafter. He then landed with the Knicks in free agency, but the return to his hometown was a bit rocky.

Walker averaged 13.7 points in 37 games with the Knicks, before being shut down by coach Tom Thibodeau and the organization.

Walker said he is sill seeking an NBA team to give him another shot.

“I’ve got something in the tank for sure,” he 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.”

As for the Mavericks (9-10), star guard Luka Doncic told reporters there is still time to right the ship.

Dallas is hoping Walker “can help address its needs for both increased perimeter shooting and additional ballhandling off the bench,” Stein wrote.

Campazzo, 31, is 5-10 and was signed before the season as a free agent. He appeared in just eight games.