While NBA free agency won't officially open until Sunday evening, it appears as though the Boston Celtics have already made a big splash. According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, All-Star point guard Kemba Walker plans to commit to a four-year, $141 million contract with the Celtics once free agency opens at 6 p.m. ET.

Shortly after Charania's initial report, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer confirmed that Walker had conveyed to the Hornets' front office that he intends to sign with the Celtics once the league's moratorium period ends on July 6. 

The Celtics had emerged as the "front-runner" to land Walker in the days leading up to the start of free agency and this report shows exactly how motivated the two sides were to get something done quickly. With Walker set to join Boston's backcourt, the Celtics can rest easy knowing that they have a more than adequate replacement for Kyrie Irving as reports have indicated that the former No. 1 overall pick was ready to leave Boston as a free agent this summer. 

While Walker may not be quite as talented as Irving, the Celtics should also benefit from shaking up the locker room. They struggled last season from a lack of cohesion more so than a lack of talent, and replacing Irving with Walker could help sort out some of their issues. Plus, according to the simulations ran by SportsLine data scientist Stephen Oh, Walker will add two wins to the Celtics for next season.

Celtics

Wins

Playoffs

Seed

Win conference

Win NBA title

No Irving, No Walker

44.5

90.9%

5

2.1%

0.7%

With Walker

46.5

96.1%

5

7.6%

3.4%

IMPACT

+2.0

+5.2%

--

+5.5%

+2.7%

As for the Hornets, Walker's impending departure is a tough blow. All signs point to the fact that they just weren't willing to offer him all that he could earn. According to a report from Stephen A. Smith, the Hornets' offer was in the $160 million range, a full $60 million less than he could have gotten with the super max. 

While it's understandable to be reluctant to pay Walker that much money to keep together a mediocre team, it makes you wonder why they didn't just trade him back at the deadline in February. In any case, the Hornets are now in a pretty tough spot.