There wasn’t much drama surrounding the Boston Celtics in training camp. They brought back nearly an identical roster to the one that won the championship just a few months prior. The only new faces on the roster this year are Baylor Scheierman and Anton Watson—the two rookies Boston selected in the 2024 NBA Draft.
However, one guy stood out amongst the pack when it came to talking points amongst the fanbase, and that was Lonnie Walker IV. The Celtics signed Walker to an Exhibit 10 contract late in the summer, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot. Boston ended up deciding to keep their final roster spot, cutting Walker before Opening Night.
But that’s not where the saga ends.
Celtics still want Lonnie Walker IV
Jake Fischer was delivering some NBA intel on a recent Bleacher Report livestream, and he made it very clear that the Celtics are still interested in bringing Walker back into the fold this season.
“It’s confusing as to why he’s not on an NBA roster right now,” Fischer said. “I think there’s absolute possiblities in Boston for Lonnie Walker to be with the Celtics at some points this season… I would not rule out Lonnie Walker to be a member of the Boston Celtics big club at some point this year.”
Walker played well during the preseason, showing off some playmaking and scoring skills. However, their ultimate decision to let him walk was likely due to their financial situation.
Signing Walker to the 15th roster spot would have cost the Celtics roughly $11 million when factoring in the tax hit that comes with them being a second apron team.
Boston has one of the most expensive rosters in basketball history, and the penalties that come with the make spending on the margins difficult.
Celtics could trade Jaden Springer
However, the Celtics may have a way to bring Walker on board without spending as much money as they would have.
In the same video, Fischer revealed that Celtics guard Jaden Springer is a candidate to be moved by the deadline in February. Springer currently makes a little over $4 million, meaning trading him could help the Celtics clear up some money to sign Walker.
The Celtics acquired Springer at last year’s deadline, sending a second-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for the 22-year-old.
Walker’s play during training camp in the preseason was clearly enough to pique the Celtics’ interest, and according to Fischer, trading Springer could be their path to get him on the roster.