Kemba Walker became a household name when he singlehandedly willed the University of Connecticut Huskies to an NCAA championship in 2011.Guiding a ninth-seeded team that wasn’t even guaranteed an NCAA Tournament bid to five-straight wins the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, the dynamic point guard showed the world why he was going to be drafted, scoring a tournament-record 130 points.Then, in an iconic run, Walker led the Huskies to the championship as the third seed in the West Region. After going 21-9 in the regular-season, UConn relied on Walker for their 11-straight postseason victories.A storyline that has always been present around Walker’s career is his connection to New York City. He grew up there and made a name for himself while starring for Rice High School in Harlem. His love for his hometown came full-circle when he won the Big East title at Madison Square Garden during that title run with UConn.But, for some reason, a possible return to New York has relentlessly followed Walker at the NBA level. Despite that, the point guard doesn’t see himself playing for the Knicks, even though he rooted for them as a kid.“I’ve been hearing it for years,” Walker said Thursday, per Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant. “Every time I come home, ‘When are you going to come home and play for the Knicks?’ I know it’s a special place, I was a Knicks fan growing up, always rooted for the home team. But I just can’t see myself in a Knicks jersey, only because I’ve only been in one jersey.”Overall, he wants to stay with the Charlotte Hornets, where he has spent the first seven years of his pro career. Last season, he earned an All-Star selection, averaging 22.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists per contest. He also became the franchise’s leading scorer last season.

Building a legacy in Charlotte

“I just want to do something special in Charlotte,” Walker said. “I’ve been there eight years now, and we haven’t really been consistent as far as winning. I just want to try to establish that culture at some point. That’s what I want to do, I just want to make it a winning organization.”

The rumors and questions about New York have been relentless. But, Walker seems to be used to it by now.

“At first, it bothers you,” he said. “Who wouldn’t it bother? Who wants to hear his name in trade rumors? But I’m seven years in, it’s not the first time. It’s something I’ve gotten over. What can I do?”

Walker will make just $12 million in the final year of his second contract with the Hornets in 2018-2019 before entering free agency next summer. But, new general manager Mitch Kupchak recently made it clear that Walker will be the focal point of the organization moving forward.

Since Walker will have the financial incentive to re-sign with Charlotte if offered a maximum contract next summer, all signs are pointing to him staying put, much to the dismay of Knicks fans everywhere.