Kemba Walker lands contract extension from Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets and point guard Kemba Walker have agreed on a contract extension worth $48 million over four years, two people with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The extension has no termination options and will take effect starting next season. The people requested anonymity because terms of the contract have not been made public.

Walker, 24, was a key cog in Charlotte's offense last season while dramatically improving his defense in coach Steve Clifford's system. He averaged 17.7 points, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals a game as Charlotte won 43 games.

The 6-1 speedster does need to improve his efficiency, though. He shot 39.3% from the field and 33.3% on three-pointers last season. Still, he has a reputation for big shots that dates back to his national championship-winning days at the University of Connecticut.

The contract is similar to Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson's second deal, signed in 2012. Walker and Lawson both guided playoff teams in their third seasons while being known primarily for their speed.

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ESPN first reported the extension.