Philadelphia 76ers Sign Lonnie Walker IV to Two-Year Deal

The Philadelphia 76ers made a notable addition to their roster by signing former first-round pick Lonnie Walker IV to a two-year, $3 million contract.

The 26-year-old shooting guard, who had been playing overseas in Lithuania, now returns to the NBA with hopes of making an impact in Philadelphia’s rotation.

Walker’s signing adds depth to a 76ers team looking to strengthen its bench as they continue their push in the Eastern Conference.

Walker’s professional journey has been filled with ups and downs, but his perseverance and talent have kept him in the NBA conversation.

He was originally selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent the first four seasons of his career.

His time in San Antonio showcased his athleticism and scoring ability, but he never fully established himself as a key piece of the team’s core.

After leaving the Spurs in 2022, Walker signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal.

He had some standout performances with the Lakers, including a crucial playoff game against the Golden State Warriors in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals, where he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to help secure a victory.

Despite moments like these, Walker struggled with consistency and was not re-signed by the Lakers after the season.

Walker then moved on to the Brooklyn Nets for the 2023-24 season, where he played in a bench role.

He averaged 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game throughout his NBA career, showing flashes of scoring potential but never solidifying a long-term place with a team.

Brooklyn eventually decided to move in a different direction, leaving Walker to explore other opportunities.

During the 2024 offseason, Walker joined the Boston Celtics for training camp, hoping to earn a roster spot. However, he was ultimately waived before the start of the regular season.

Without an immediate NBA opportunity, Walker decided to take his talents overseas, signing with Lithuanian powerhouse Žalgiris Kaunas.

The move allowed him to continue competing at a high level while keeping his NBA aspirations alive.

Walker’s time in Lithuania proved to be beneficial for his career. In 19 games with Žalgiris Kaunas, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

His ability to contribute offensively, particularly as a scorer, was evident, and he demonstrated that he could still play at a high level.

His contract included an NBA opt-out clause, which ultimately allowed him to return to the league once an opportunity presented itself.

The 76ers saw value in Walker’s skill set and decided to bring him in on a two-year deal. Philadelphia has been dealing with injuries and depth concerns throughout the season, making Walker a potential solution off the bench.

His athleticism, shooting ability, and experience could provide a boost to a team that is looking to stay competitive in a tough Eastern Conference.

One of Walker’s biggest strengths is his ability to create his own shot. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to score in isolation situations, knock down three-pointers, and attack the rim with explosiveness.

While his defense has been inconsistent, his offensive skill set makes him a valuable asset for a team needing additional scoring options.

For the 76ers, this move comes at a time when they are looking to solidify their roster for a playoff push.

With stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the team, the Sixers need reliable contributors off the bench who can provide scoring and energy.

Walker’s ability to heat up quickly and contribute in spurts could make him an effective role player in head coach Nick Nurse’s system.

It remains to be seen how much playing time Walker will receive, but his signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move for the 76ers.

If he can carve out a consistent role in the rotation, he has the potential to be a valuable contributor, especially during the postseason.

As Walker returns to the NBA, he will be looking to prove that he belongs in the league for the long term. After bouncing around multiple teams in recent years, this opportunity with the 76ers could be a turning point in his career.

If he can make the most of his chances in Philadelphia, he could solidify himself as a reliable bench scorer and earn a longer stay in the NBA.

For now, Walker’s focus will be on integrating himself into the 76ers’ system and earning playing time. With his experience and scoring ability, he has the tools to make an impact.

Philadelphia will be hoping that this signing provides them with another weapon as they continue their pursuit of success in the Eastern Conference.