Somehow, despite bringing back almost an identical team to last year, the Boston Celtics still found a way to make headlines because of their roster decisions this offseason. They inked Lonnie Walker IV to an Exhibit 10 contract late in free agency, but when the time came to make a final decision, they let him walk.
The signs were there throughout training camp, as Walker was talking about potentially spending time in the G League from the very moment he got to Boston. Walker played well in the preseason, but it wasn’t enough for the Celtics to hand him the 15th roster spot.
And now, he won’t be with the Celtics in any capacity.
Lonnie Walker shares message after deciding not to join Maine Celtics
According to John Karalis of Locked On Celtics, Walker has chosen not to join the Maine Celtics in the G League for the upcoming season. He will instead look to pursue other opportunities.
“Lonnie Walker, I'm told, made the choice not to join the Maine Celtics after he was cut,” Karalis tweeted. “Exhibit 10 guys have to sign on for the assignment, and Walker chose to pursue other opportunities.”
Lonnie Walker, I'm told, made the choice not to join the Maine Celtics after he was cut. Exhibit 10 guys have to sign on for the assignment, and Walker chose to pursue other opportunities.
— John Karalis 🇬🇷🇺🇦 (@John_Karalis) October 28, 2024
The day after Karalis reported Walker’s decision not to join Maine, the man himself tweeted out a message to the masses.
“I’m only 25 🙏🏾 all in due time ! The marathon continues,” Walker tweeted. “I know the stars will align. Self belief is the best belief. All apart of the story. Stay tuned ⏰”
I’m only 25 🙏🏾 all in due time ! The marathon continues. I know the stars will align. Self belief is the best belief. All apart of the story. Stay tuned ⏰
— Lonnie Walker IV (@lonniewalker_4) October 29, 2024
Though Walker won’t be with the Celtics for the upcoming year, he seems very confident in his ability to earn another opportunity elsewhere. And perhaps that opportunity could come overseas.
Earlier in October, Donatas Urbonas of Basket News reported that Spanish Club Real Madrid has shown interest in bringing Walker on board.
“A EuroLeague powerhouse is targeting six-year NBA veteran Lonnie Walker IV,” Urbonas wrote. “According to BasketNews sources, Real Madrid has set their sights on the 25-year-old 1.93m guard. After a slow start in the EuroLeague (2-2) and ACB (2-2), Madrid is exploring the market to bolster their roster, looking for more talent and depth as they navigate injuries to players like Andres Feliz and Usman Garuba.”
Walker’s preseason stint with the Celtics was enough to earn him the love of the fanbase, but Boston still decided to save some money and keep the 15th slot open.
And now, he won’t be in Maine, either. For the time being, green isn’t Walker’s color.