The Nuggets could pursue Lonnie Walker IV at some point during the season, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack article.
Walker chose to sign with Zalgiris Kaunas in the EuroLeague last week after he was waived by Boston.
The veteran swingman 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.
Walker’s agent, George S. Langberg, negotiated an unusual buyout in Walker’s contract with the Lithuanian club that enables him come back to any NBA team at a cost of $450K between now and Feb. 18. Real Madrid and Maccabi Tel Aviv were among the other EuroLeague clubs that pursued Walker, but Zalgiris‘ willingness to consent to that clause was a decisive factor for Walker, according to Stein.
The Celtics were hoping Walker would head to their G League affiliate in Maine, but Walker feels he has a better chance of impressing NBA teams by playing in the EuroLeague. Boston reportedly attempted to trade Jaden Springer before the end of camp to open up a spot for Walker.
The Nuggets have depth issues, so Walker could make an impact if they pivoted his way. Denver has a full 15-man roster and all of those contracts are guaranteed, so the Nuggets would have to trade or waive a player to make room for Walker.
I would hope Denver is looking at SG’s. Brown leaves and they say Braun will replace Brown. Then KCP left and they said Braun will replace KCP.
Denver has drafted well recently
Calvin and company shouldn’t be so cheap unless they don’t care about winning anymore. GS doesn’t care about the championship either by having no C on the roster ( Jackson-Davis doesn’t count and Looney really should not either) and I don’t want to hear wingspan crap, Jay B is clueless when the other C is taller with more wingspan)
Yeah, no s**t. This team needs bench players worth a damn pronto. And shooting.
Would fit really well for the Nuggets..need another bench scorer..Strawther looking good though, as is Braun… expect a good year from this squad
That would be a good signing for the Nuggets.
I was hoping the Knicks would have an interest until Shamet is healthy
Unless Denver addresses their bench, this team will be a play-in team this year. I cannot believe they did not do anything besides adding Russ to the bench thinking they are good to go. SMH.
I wish Silver never gave Denver the title
He should make his name in Euroleague and raise his price,if he goes do Denver,he will be polishing bench
Booth should have made that move immediately after Boston let him walk. They have a roster that collectively doesn’t shoot well when Jokic isn’t out there getting guys easy shots.
Best all around wing available, so they shouild sign him up. But he’s not the best fit when the team is healthy. They need a strong dose of 3&D on the perimeter. Walker can score, but won’t space the floor for anyone else. Walker’s cover with also score.