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Free-agent NBA guard Lonnie Walker IV is heading to Lithuania.
Walker’s agent confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Bobby Marks the 25-year-old plans to sign with Žalgiris Kaunas. In addition to competing in the Lithuanian league, Žalgiris is tied fo the best record in the EuroLeague at 5-1.
Charania and Marks reported Walker’s contract includes a buyout clause that an NBA team can trigger before Feb. 18.
Walker spent the 2023-24 NBA season with the Brooklyn Nets. In 58 games, he averaged 9.7 points and shot 42.3 percent from the field, including 38.4 percent from beyond the arc. He had eight 20-point performances off the bench.
The Boston Celtics signed the 6’4″ guard to a one-year contract in August. He suited up for four of their five preseason games, putting up 7.3 points and 2.5 assists in 16.4 minutes per contest.
Boston waived Walker ahead of the regular season. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal reported he declined an assignment to the franchise’s NBA G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
Thanks to their limited payroll flexibility, the Celtics signed Walker to an Exhibit 10 contract. He would’ve made the veteran’s minimum salary if he was on the roster for opening night. The $77,500 bonus in his deal was contingent on him staying with Maine for at least 60 days.
Walker hinted at his next opportunity to come in a post Tuesday on X:
The financial details of his Žalgiris contract are unclear, but he’s likely making much more than he would’ve in the G League.
Competing in the EuroLeague will ensure he’s still playing basketball at a high level and staying fresh in case his services are required back in the NBA.
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