Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics have waived guard Lonnie Walker IV.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Celtics had released the guard prior to the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. Walker had averaged 7.3 points in 16.4 minutes during the preseason.
The guard reacted to the news on Instagram, saying he “will always bet on myself.”
Walker signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics in August. He had spent the 2023-24 season with the Brooklyn Nets.
Walker came off the bench for Brooklyn last season and averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 58 games. He has spent time with the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers as well and now will look for a new home in 2024-25.
It was going to be an uphill battle to make the Celtics deep roster, but Walker’s performance in the preseason gave him a case. However, he would have cost the team $10 million due to his salary and salary cap penalties, per Souichi Terada of MassLive.com. Additionally, Boston can keep a roster spot open for flexibility if injuries arise.
Walker will hope that his play in the preseason can help him land another job in the NBA.
Without Walker on the roster, the Celtics will open the 2024-25 season Oct. 22 against the New York Knicks.
Leave a Reply