Kemba Walker is entering the final season of his contract with the Charlotte Hornets but the team publicly says they remain committed to building around him.

Mitch Kupchak said he and Michael jordan consider Walker "the focal point of this franchise going forward."

Walker cannot sign an extension with the Hornets before he becomes a free agent in 2019 due to cap issues.

"I think everybody is aware of the situation, if you follow basketball a little bit, it is unique that he is on an extension that may make it a challenge going forward to figure out before he becomes a free agent," Kupchak said.

Walker is making just $12 million this season.

"I don't think it is anybody's goal to lose him in free agency," Kupchak said. "But going forward, in the community, in the franchise, this is a player that we hope is with us -- not only for the next couple of years, but ends his career here."