Celtics Emerge As Favorites As Kemba Walker Hits Stalemate With Hornets

The Boston Celtics have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Kemba Walker in free agency.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the Charlotte Hornets and Walker have "sizable gaps and (a) stalemate in talks so far, opening (a) pathway for competitors in Boston, New York and Dallas."

Walker is eligible for a supermax contract with the Hornets, but that has always been an unlikely scenario.

Adrian Wojnarowski reported on the Thursday evening SportsCenter that the Celtics are "more than a strong frontrunner (for Walker). They are in position to sign him when the moratorium ends on July 6th. They could have a commitment as soon as Sunday night."

Stephen A. Smith reported that Walker had planned to sign with the Celtics, but he could be considering the Lakers now that they have enough space for his max. 

"According to my sources, he told the Charlotte Hornets that he wants out and that he planned on going to the Boston Celtics, but that was before the Los Angeles Lakers created this additional cap space," said Smith.