Lonnie Walker IV, despite being released by the Boston Celtics, seems to be handling the situation with ease. The Celtics recently decided to waive the 25-year-old guard, who had joined the team in August under a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. Walker had been part of the Celtics’ preseason squad but is now moving on as part of the team’s decision to maintain flexibility with their roster.
The decision to release Walker comes down to financial considerations. Keeping Walker on the roster would have come with a significant cost for the Celtics, amounting to $11 million once his salary and luxury tax penalties were factored in. The team opted to let him go in order to better manage their financial situation, prioritizing flexibility for future moves.
Although Walker’s time with the Celtics was short-lived, his journey may continue within the organization. According to NBA insider Keith Smith, if another NBA team doesn’t pick Walker up, he may join the Celtics’ G League affiliate, allowing him to stay connected to the team and possibly return to the NBA.
For Walker, this is just another chapter in his career. He’s no stranger to adversity and has shown resilience in the past. His social media presence seems to reflect a composed and positive mindset, hinting that he’s ready for whatever comes next in his basketball journey.
As Walker looks ahead, there’s still a chance for him to land on another NBA team’s roster, or to refine his game in the G League. Either way, he remains a player to watch in the coming months.