Knicks announce All-Star PG Kemba Walker signing

It was a process, but the Knicks finally announced their signing of All-Star PG Kemba Walker. 

"We are beyond thrilled to bring native New Yorker Kemba Walker back to the city he's proud to call home," Knicks president Leon Rose said in an official statement. "He's a tremendous talent whose skill and leadership will be a huge addition to our organization. We've already seen how well he performs on The Garden stage and can't wait to witness it on a nightly basis in front of his family, friends and the best fans in the league."

Walker’s two-year deal with the Knicks starts at $8.7 million and was signed using cap space, per SNY's Ian Begley. The first year is $8,729,020, and the second year is $9,165,471. The deal is fully guaranteed for both seasons. It contains no team or player options and no partial guarantees or trigger dates.

Begley reported on Aug. 4 that Walker planned to sign with New York once he was bought out by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 31-year-old had two years and roughly $74 million remaining on his contract with the Thunder. 

The Knicks view the move as low risk, high reward -- and they feel they've upgraded at the point guard position, per Begley. 

New York also feels that its offseason provided continuity from last and maintained flexibility moving forward.

Walker, who was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Thunder in June, averaged 19.3 points and 4.9 assists while playing 31.8 minutes per game in 43 contests with the Celtics last season.

The addition of Walker is an exclamation point of sorts for the Knicks, who signed Evan Fournier when free agency began while re-signing Derrick Rose, Alec Burks, and Nerlens Noel.

Walker dealt with knee issues last season -- including in the playoffs -- but hopes those woes are behind him.

"I’m planning on a big summer and getting myself feeling good again," Walker said after the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs. "It’s been a while since I’ve really had time off. This is an important time for me."

NOTES

- Per SNY sources, Spencer Dinwiddie’s deal with Washington is guaranteed for $10 million in 2023-24 but automatically becomes fully guaranteed if he plays at least 50 games this coming season and at least 50 games during 2022-23.

- Also, per SNY sources, one of the bonuses on Nerlens Noel’s contract is for $750,000 if he makes First or Second Team All-Defense.