Former Boston Celtics guard Lonnie Walker IV conquered a decent deadline to make his long-awaited return to the NBA late Tuesday evening.
Walker signed a two-year, $3.7 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers simply earlier than the buzzer after enjoying 33 video games for Lithuania’s Zalgiris Kaunas of the EuroLeague. Just some hours remained granted from Walker’s opt-out contract clause for NBA groups to increase contract presents earlier than the 26-year-old must spend the remainder of the season in Lithuania. Nonetheless, Walker’s endurance paid off.
“Bought the decision at 10 pm. 2 hours earlier than my clause ended. Nonetheless processing all of it however actually blessed, humbled, and excited for this subsequent chapter AGTG,” Walker printed Wednesday on X.
Following this month’s commerce deadline, it was anticipated that Walker would no less than obtain a suggestion contemplating the low price and availability. Walker additionally left a stable impression following his four-game run with the Celtics within the preseason, which might’ve landed him an Opening Evening roster spot had Boston not been restricted by the posh tax — Walker’s Exhibit 10 contract would’ve price the C’s over $10 million. He averaged 7.3 factors with 1.5 rebounds and a pair of.5 assists, most remembered for dropping 20 factors on the Toronto Raptors throughout Boston’s second-to-final preseason matchup.
The Celtics waived Walker in October, simply earlier than the beginning of their common season.
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With no presents on the desk on the time, Walker had no different selection however to bolster his market worth abroad. He averaged 13.3 factors, 2.9 rebounds and two assists, capturing 40% from 3-point vary on 5.8 makes an attempt, garnering curiosity from groups, together with the Denver Nuggets earlier than the Sixers reached out with a suggestion.
Philadelphia, amid its nightmarish 20-34 marketing campaign because the eleventh seed within the Jap Convention, capitalized on the chance so as to add Walker.
The signing gained’t make a distinction to the Sixers by way of their playoff possibilities, however it’ll assist Walker get some severe enjoying time with Philadelphia stars Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined till additional discover. Walker will present one other veteran scoring choice paired alongside Tyrese Maxey, able to playmaking, pulling down the three and giving the Sixers a spark, whether or not coming off the bench or within the beginning lineup.
Even earlier than touchdown the Sixers gig, Walker opened up about his optimistic mindset and sarcastically checked out now-teammate Guerschon Yabusele for inspiration.
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“The NBA isn’t going anyplace — I’m nonetheless younger. I can return subsequent 12 months, in two or three years,” Walker mentioned, per Basketnews.com. “Have a look at Yabusele, who’s again within the NBA and factor of that nature. My purpose is to continue to grow and be ready each bodily and mentally for any future situation.”
The Celtics and Sixers play twice extra, together with on Thursday evening, to finish their regular-season collection.
