Free agent guard Lonnie Walker IV was surprisingly left unsigned heading into September before news broke that he would join with the defending champion Boston Celtics. That move was surprising, to say the least, considering that he was arguably the best remaining unrestricted free agent available.
Walker played well off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets last season, averaging 9.7 points in 17.4 minutes per game while shooting 38.4% from three. His improved efficiency from outside helped make him the ideal microwave. Despite that, there weren't any rumors of interest between him and another team before the Celtics swooped in.
They now get an athletic 25-year-old player who can catch fire in the second unit. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers could have used him, but the Nuggets didn't have any open roster spots at the moment.
As for the Lakers, they don't appear to be interested in signing free agents, considering that they are the only team to have not done so. Some team was bound to pick up Walker, but the Celtics got him, for a song no less.
The Boston Celtics land Lonnie Walker IV on an unusual contract
Lonnie Walker IV, Celtics Agree To Exhibit 10 Deal https://t.co/o5ngYrvpdo
— RealGM (@RealGM) August 29, 2024
It was expected that he would get a minimum contract wherever he signed, which would have been his third straight one-year contract after his qualifying offer wasn't picked up by the San Antonio Spurs. That didn't mean he is a bad player but has yet to find a long-term role.
While he probably won't find one in Boston, they could probably get him consistent playing time in the second unit. Ironically, Walker signed an exhibit 10 contract, which is a make-good deal, which is usually what undrafted players agree to.
Doing so is usually meant to give them a signing bonus so they can join a team, often to play Summer League, go through training camp, and preseason before being cut and then signing directly with a team's G League affiliate. Walker probably won't be playing in Maine for the Celtics' affiliate but it's an interesting wrinkle. All in all, Boston managed to add the best remaining unrestricted free agent. With them arguably the best team in the NBA, the rich just got richer.