Report: Cavs have ‘vaguely’ discussed a deal for Kemba Walker

According to a report from ESPN, Cleveland and Charlotte have talked vaguely about a trade that involves Kemba Walker.

Zach Lowe cited league sources who say the Cavs and Hornets have “vaguely” discussed a deal where the Cavs would get Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum for Isaiah Thomas, the Brooklyn first round pick and “about $25 million more in outgoing salary.”

Lowe also points out the likelihood of a deal getting done may not be great. Most likely, the Hornets will view having to take on the contracts of both J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson as “selling too low” on Walker, even with the draft pick.

There’s also the fact that you have to take the Cavs’ repeater tax into account. Batum and Walker are making $34.4 million combined this season. As Lowe points out, Thompson, Thomas, and Iman Shumpert make $32.9 million. If the Cavs lose fewer than $34.4 million, it’s going to add to Dan Gilbert’s bill.