NBA Free Agency: 3 reasons why Kemba Walker should not sign with Boston Celtics

Kyrie Irving has declined his player option and it looks like he won't be re-signing with the Boston Celtics. Al Horford has also declined his player option and that has opened up cap space for the Celtics who are looking to bring in a top-tier free agent.

Kemba Walker is one free agent that the Celtics have shown genuine interest in. Walker can fill the void that will be left by the departure of Irving.

The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference finals in the 2017-18 season. They massively disappointed during the 2018-19 season but still have one of the best young cores in the NBA. However, they need a marquee free agent to get back in contention.

In the past few days, both Kemba and the Celtics have shown a mutual interest in working together and Kemba's arrival in Boston looks certain. However, Kemba is likely to get max offers from other teams and he should be skeptical of joining the Celtics.

Here are 3 reasons why Kemba Walker should not sign with the Boston Celtics:

#1 The Kyrie Irving situation

Kyrie Irving had a disappointing two years with the Celtics and is set to leave this summer

Kemba Walker should take a hint from the Kyrie Irving situation that unfolded at the Celtics. Irving was supposed to be the Celtics' point guard for the future and the one to lead them to another championship.

However, Irving disappointed during his time with the Celtics; his leadership was continuously questioned and he emerged as a disruptive figure in the locker room.

Kemba, meanwhile, will be expected to play the same role as Irving at the Celtics. Although he is extremely humble and has always been a great locker room presence, it won't be too far fetched to believe that Kemba may also struggle to lead the Celtics which will lead to a lot of criticism.

#2 Doesn't fit in with the young core of the Celtics

Kemba Walker should play for a more serious contender than the Celtics

The Boston Celtics have a great young core. Jayson Tatum is one of the best young players in the league and had an awesome rookie season, leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals in the absence of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward.

Jaylen Brown also played an integral role during that playoff run. However, during the 2018-19 season, both Tatum and Brown struggled. They failed to fulfil their potential playing alongside Irving and the Celtics were very disappointing to watch as a unit.

For next season, they have already lost Irving and Horford and will definitely struggle to compete with the elite teams.

Kemba Walker is 29 right now. He is in his prime and his talents will be better suited to a team that's more competitive than the Celtics. Boston's young players need more time to develop into superstars and Kemba might be 33 by the time that happens.

#3 New situation emerging at the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to sign Kemba Walker

The Anthony Davis trade meant the Los Angeles Lakers did not have enough money to sign a max free agent. However, the Lakers recently sent Mo Wagner, Jemerrio Jones and Isaac Bonga to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal and Davis also waived his $4M trade kicker.

This has left the Lakers with around $32M in cap space, enough to sign a max free agent.

The possibility of pairing up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be tantalizing for any free agent on the market right now. It would ensure that they would compete in big championship matches in the years to come.

Moreover, the Los Angeles market will provide them with the spotlight and the chance to represent the biggest and most iconic franchise in the history of the NBA.

If the Lakers come looking for Kemba in free agency, he should sign with them and become a part of the next, great dynasty.