A. Sherrod Blakely: Kemba Walker cites the team's chemistry as a possible factor in Danny Ainge's decision to keep the team intact at the trade deadline. The players really like each other. "We get along, maybe too well," Walker quipped.
Barring an unexpected setback, point guard Kemba Walker will return to the Charlotte Hornets lineup for Monday night’s home game against the Orlando Magic. Walker sat out road losses to the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat after suffering a contusion to his left shoulder against the San Antonio Spurs Nov. 25. The Hornets are on a four-game losing streak, which has dropped them to 8-13, three games out of a playoff spot with a quarter of the season complete.
Charles F. Gardner: Charlotte coach Steve Clifford said Kemba Walker will sit out tonight's game against the Bucks. Marco Belinelli (finger) also out for the Hornets.
The Warriors could undoubtedly put together one of the best packages for a Durant trade. And for a front office known for unearthing every stone, they’d have to vet the chance to add Durant. With that said, according to multiple sources in the Warriors organization, a reunion is highly unlikely. Nothing about the last three years suggests the Warriors would be willing to pay the price for a KD return. That price is likely (and reportedly) an All-Star-caliber player, young talent and a heap of draft picks.
David Hardisty: Woj says Brooklyn has “no traction” on a deal for KD or Kyrie. They’re being patient because they “don’t have to trade either”, though that’s not their ideal scenario. Nets trying to get the “biggest haul of assets that they can” and “there’s a lot more talks coming.”