Free agent guard Lonnie Walker will sign with Zalgiris Kaunas in the EuroLeague, agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group tells Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Walker signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics in late August in hopes of winning a roster spot in training camp. He reportedly impressed team officials, but Boston is operating under second apron restrictions, so it would have cost roughly $8.8MM in luxury tax penalties to keep Walker on top of his $2.1MM salary. He was waived shortly before the start of the season.
There was speculation that Walker would join the team’s G League affiliate in Maine and try to work his way back to the NBA. The Exhibit 10 deal would make him eligible for a bonus worth up to $77.5K if he had spent at least 60 days with the team. However, Walker wasn’t included on Maine’s training camp roster, which was announced over the weekend.
Walker reportedly drew interest from Real Madrid, but he opted to play in Lithuania.
His new contract includes an NBA buyout clause until February 18, Charania adds. The Zalgiris Kaunas roster features former NBA players Ignas Brazdeikis and Alen Smailagic.
Walker, 25, played last season with Brooklyn, where he averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 58 games. He also spent four years with the Spurs and one with the Lakers.
If he comes to Europe with an open mind he’ll come back better defensively and a more all around player