According to several sources, New York is transferring Kemba Walker to Detroit Pistons as part of a three-team transaction in which the Detroit Pistons are also expected to receive the No. 13 overall selection, Jalen Duren, from Charlotte.
According to reports, the Hornets will receive Duren along with many future second-round picks and a future first-round pick. Walker is anticipated to examine buyout possibilities with the Pistons after his role in his first and likely final season in New York changed significantly. Duren, a 6-foot-11 big man, is expected to play a bigger role in Detroit’s plans. While free agency begins formally next month, New York seems committed to cutting out cap space.
Kema Walker Will Join Detroit Pistons
The 11th overall pick was traded by the Knicks to Oklahoma City in return for three additional first-round picks. With the return of another future first, a protected selection that was formerly owned by the Milwaukee Bucks, this most recent transaction would also send Walker’s remaining $9 million in compensation. Guard Kemba Walker of the New York Knicks was moved to the Detroit Pistons as part of a three-team transaction with the Charlotte Hornets to free up salary-cap space.
Walker and Jalen Duren, who the Hornets selected with the 13th selection in the NBA Draft on Thursday, will both be relocating to Detroit, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The 2025 first-round selection is being transferred to the Hornets by the Pistons, who acquired it earlier this week when they acquired Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. Walker averaged nearly 11.6 points, 3.5 assists, and three rebounds in 37 matches for the Knicks this season despite dealing with a knee issue.