Just last week, Lonnie Walker IV was among the best remaining free agent shooting guards. Then, the Boston Celtics snatched him up, signing him to a one-year deal.
With the Exhibit 10 language in his contract, the 25-year-old could get a bonus if he’s waived and plays for their G League affiliate. However, there’s no doubt that Walker put his name to paper in hopes of being on the standard 15-man roster. He may have the humility necessary to suit up for the Maine Red Claws. To that point, he played 29 games with the Austin Spurs —the San Antonio Spurs’ G League team —in his rookie season. Nonetheless, he’s better than the vast majority of G League players.
We know it. He knows it. The Celtics know it.
Celtics May Waive Lonnie Walker IV Ahead Of 2024-25 Season Opener
“There’s a chance Walker is waived after camp to keep Boston’s 15th roster spot open going into the season,” per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Waiving Walker ahead of the season when they don’t actually need an open roster spot right now seems strange. However, it’s probably tied into the Pennsylvania native signing an Exhibit 10 contract. As a result, when training camp wraps up, he might be a predetermined cut from the standard 15-man roster.
Still, the Celtics could sign Walker to a hybrid contract after he’s waived. All three of their allotted two-way slots are already filled. Nonetheless, one of those players could get the boot if Walker outperforms them.
He’d Likely Be Their Best Two-Way Player
As Boston just drafted Gonzaga’s Anton Watson in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, his spot probably won’t be sacrificed for Walker. However, their other two-way players —JD Davison and Drew Peterson —should be wary. Both were on the Celtics’ roster last season and are now NBA champions. Yet, their play was largely forgettable when they were called-up from the G League.
Walker isn’t just more experienced than Watson, Davison, and Peterson though. He’s proven to be more productive. This could give him the upper hand with Boston looking for an edge on their competition. Having a player with his body of work on a two-way contract would be fortuitous.
One-Third Of The League
If the Celtics waive Walker, he’ll obviously have the chance to sign with another team. With his peers advocating for him to get signed, he very well may.
There are nine teams that currently have two-way slots open, including three contenders: the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic. There are five contenders with multiple players on non-guaranteed contracts: the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings.
Among those eight teams, the Sixers, Cavs, and Kings still have an open roster spots. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves are contenders with space for a free agent as well. So, ultimately, at least one-third of the league could sign Walker if Boston waives him after training camp. In the event of injury, that number could go up.
Is that a risk the Celtics want to take? Is a player like Oshae Brissett good enough to justify Walker being cut instead of him?
