Celtics Reportedly Emerge as Frontrunners for Kemba Walker and it's Danny Ainge's Best Plan Yet

The Boston Celtics entered the 2018-2019 season with the highest of hopes before it all came crashing down. After a second-round exit, Kyrie Irving isn't expected to return and neither is Al Horford, who opted out of the final year of his deal.

While the onset of free agency was disastrous for the C's, it looks like Danny Ainge is in the process of quickly turning things around. Boston is reportedly the frontrunner to sign Kemba Walker.

The durable Walker, who has played in at least 79 games in each of the last four seasons, could be considered an upgrade over Irving given his ability to score (while keeping good flow of the offense) and stay healthy. Walker's stats over the last four years are on par or better than Irving's, and he has played in an average of 17 more games per season.

This comes after it was reported the Hornets and Walker were far apart in their contract talks. The star point guard is eligible for the $221 million supermax while Boston can only offer him four years and $140 million. If Charlotte isn't going to pony up, he can max himself out elsewhere.

Not only that, but Ainge could be snatching up a formidable opponent on the market. Walker has averaged 20.1 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds in his career against the Celtics. Wouldn't you rather that on your team?

There's only a few days remaining before we see if this becomes a reality for Boston.