With the NBA offseason now in a lull until training camps begin in late September, the Boston Celtics appear to be set with their current roster for now. Despite having one open spot available, the team isn’t expected to make any additions soon, especially as they approach the upcoming season as a transitional year due to Jayson Tatum’s indefinite absence.
Focusing on youth development and financial restraint, Boston is unlikely to pursue free agents, even though one familiar name, Lonnie Walker IV, could have been a good fit. Instead, Walker has signed a lucrative overseas deal.
Lonnie Walker Heads to Europe After Celtics, 76ers Stints
Walker, who had brief stints in both the Lithuanian Basketball League and the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers last season, has now signed a three-year, $10 million contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. After the 76ers declined his $2.9 million team option, he became a free agent.
During his time in Philadelphia, Walker posted solid numbers  12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 35.4% from beyond the arc in 20 appearances.
Last August, he joined the Celtics on an Exhibit 10 deal and impressed during preseason, averaging 7.3 points in just over 16 minutes per game. However, he was waived just before the season started, as retaining him would have pushed Boston’s tax bill into the eight-figure range. At the time, the team was already above the second luxury tax apron and loaded at the forward position, limiting his chances for playing time.
With several roster changes this offseason, Boston may have had room for Walker now, but a reunion isn’t in the cards at least not yet. Fortunately, Walker’s deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv includes an NBA exit clause after each season, leaving the door open for a possible return to the league, and maybe even back to Boston.
