The Celtics' main roster question has been answered ahead of the regular season. As expected, Lonnie Walker IV was waived after a strong showing throughout the training camp and preseason with the team. But it was always an uphill climb for the 25-year-old considering the Celtics roster and payroll.
Despite only being with the team for a few weeks, Walker still made a strong impression on his teammates. Derrick White‘s known Walker since their Spurs days as they were drafted in back-to-back seasons, so there’s a longstanding friendship there.
“I talk to him too much, I think,” White said. “I try to give him space. Nah, just kidding. But we’ve been close since he got drafted to San Antonio, so that’s my guy. I’m sure we’ll talk soon.”
Walker impressed in the preseason, averaging 7.3 points, 2.5 assists and 1.5 rebounds in his four games. While he had a slow start in the two games against the Nuggets, Walker impressed in two games against the 76ers and Raptors. Walker‘s performance had fans buzzing about keeping him, but the financials didn’t quite add up. Notably, he got some minutes with the Celtics bench guys as the team got a good long look at how he fits on the roster.
But between luxury tax penalties and his salaries, the Celtics would need to pay around $10 million to keep him on the roster. Considering the state of the C‘s roster, the price tag was difficult to justify for the seventh-year pro. Walker will get a chance to play in the G League — which he said he’s alright with — or another team in the league could give him a chance.
“I love Lonnie,” Luke Kornet said. “He’s a great player, honestly. His energy and his joy and passion and connection just he mainly possesses I think was awesome. I never had the opportunity to know him closely until these past few weeks, and he’s been great to have around and honestly a joy to play with and a joy to work with.”
