Boston Celtics Face Tough Decision on Lonnie Walker IV’s Roster Spot

The Boston Celtics are on the verge of finalizing their roster for the upcoming NBA season and face a critical decision involving Lonnie Walker IV. The 6-foot-4 guard, who signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the team in late August, is vying for the 15th and final spot on the roster. This comes after the Celtics made several predictable moves during the preseason to trim down their squad.

Walker, 25, brings to the table six seasons of NBA experience, during which he averaged double-digit scores in half. Despite these credentials, his signing with the Celtics was unexpected. Now, with his Exhibit 10 contract at stake, Walker’s future with the team remains uncertain.

The Celtics have until Saturday to decide on Walker’s fate. If retained, his contract will convert into a standard minimum contract, but he could also be waived, potentially joining another team or the Celtics’ G League affiliate. Head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his admiration for Walker’s performance during training camp but remained discreet about the team’s decision.

“He had a great training camp,” Mazzulla remarked to CLNS Media. “I liked his attitude and work ethic. He acclimated well to our defensive system and studied the offensive system thoroughly. He made the most of his time here, which is all one can ask for.”

Walker’s recent performances have been a mix of challenges and highlights. In Abu Dhabi, Walker saw limited minutes in games against the Denver Nuggets but made a significant impact against the Philadelphia 76ers—recording nine points, seven assists, four rebounds, and two steals in 25 minutes off the bench.

Further showing his potential, Walker scored 20 points in another preseason match-up against the Toronto Raptors. Despite these promising showings, he did not participate in the preseason finale.

Financial considerations accompany this decision. Keeping Walker on the roster would incur additional tax liabilities for the Celtics, a fact noted by the franchise as they approach the $500 million mark in roster expenditures. Although Wyc Grousbeck, the team’s owner, has shown a willingness to spend in recent years, the cost of retaining a player who may not see significant playing time remains a concern.

As the Celtics deliberate on Walker’s future, they recognize his contributions and the hard choice they face. “He showed us he’s capable of contributing at the NBA level,” Mazzulla said, highlighting the depth of consideration involved in the decision.