NBA Rumors: Celtics, Nuggets Interested in Lonnie Walker IV After Žalgiris Contract

Lonnie Walker IV chose to play for Žalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania for the upcoming season, but two NBA teams are now showing interest in signing the guard.

Both the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are considering signing Walker IV later this season, depending on roster flexibility, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.

ESPN's Shams Charania and Bobby Marks reported that Walker's contract with Žalgiris Kaunas includes a buyout clause that an NBA team can activate before Feb. 18.

Walker IV played for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2023-24 season and averaged 9.7 points, 1.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the field.

Prior to signing with Lithuania, the Boston Celtics signed Walker IV on a one-year contract in August. He participated in four of the team's five preseason matchups, contributing an average of 7.3 points and 2.5 assists over 16.4 minutes per game.

According to Stein, Boston had hoped to have Walker IV on their roster for opening night, but their luxury tax situation would have required them to trade Jaden Springer first.

The Celtics further hoped he would stick around to play for their G-League affiliate in Maine, but Walker IV believed he could better impress NBA teams in the Euro League, per to Stein.

According to Stein, Walker IV's agent levied him a deal that would allow any NBA team to buy out his contract for $450,000 between now and Feb. 18.