NBA Notebook: What does Lonnie Walker IV signing say about NBA free agency?

The Celtics surprised many by signing Lonnie Walker IV to an Exhibit 10 contract this week, acquiring one of the best remaining players in NBA free agency without offering any guaranteed money or a roster spot. It's telling that Walker, who had a strong season for the Brooklyn Nets on paper in 2023-24, went this long without landing on a roster and it points to both weaknesses in his game and the limited opportunities available to an increasingly talented field of players remaining in and entering the NBA orbit each year. 

Boston has one standard roster spot to offer and already filled its three two-way slots, which are flexible, but can't go to players with more than four years of NBA experience like Walker IV. The Magic, Spurs, Rockets, Raptors, Hawks, Clippers, Blazers, Nets, Mavs, Nuggets, Pacers, Lakers, Wizards and Bucks, nearly half the league, have 15 players under contract while 14 others have at least 14 players, many with additional Exhibit contracts including Boston. Only the Cavaliers have multiple standard roster spots currently open as they navigate the outstanding free agencies of Isaac Okoro and others. Some flexibility exists, as teams have non-guaranteed deals that don't solidify until opening night, but with teams allowed to keep their 15th spots open indefinitely while reaping cap and luxury tax savings, there's no urgency to guarantee opportunity to the remaining free agents. 

Following Walker IV's signing, those include Okoro, a restricted free agent, veteran wing Cedi Osman, Jazz guard Talen Horton-Tucker, shooter Landry Shamet, Magic point guard and former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz, Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr., who played well alongside Walker IV last year, along with veteran wings Doug McDermott, Marcus Morris Sr., Davis Bertans, Robert Covington, Jae Crowder, Danuel House and Evan Fournier. Veteran guard Patrick Beverley signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv over minimum offers after a solid season split between Philadelphia and Milwaukee. 

Oshae Brissett, the 26-year-old Celtics champion, has also continued to weigh his options patiently and hasn't ruled out a return to Boston. NBA teams are allowed to roster 21 players in total during the offseason, including standard, two-way and camp deals. The Celtics are now up to 20 with Walker IV. Jay Scrubb is expected to sign an Exhibit 10 contract with Boston when he's fully healthy following his ACL tear, sources told Boston Sports Journal. 

The NBA and player's union tried to solve a problem where teams would lean into filling their rosters with draft picks and young players over veterans to keep their rosters cheap by refunding a portion of one-year, veteran's minimum deals. Any player who signs with a team for one season who has three or more seasons of NBA experience only count as a second-year player's minimum contract ($2.1M in 2024-25) against the cap while the league refunds the difference between the actual player's salary and that amount. In Walker IV's case, entering his seventh season, he would make $2.8 million and count as $2.1 million for cap and tax purposes. It's only mild relief for taxpayers like Boston though, with that salary addition carrying nearly a $10 million tax hit. 

Many will point out the prohibitive new CBA restrictions on team salary totals, and while those led to key free agents departing their teams this offseason, only four teams, including Boston, are above the second apron line while five others are within $10 million of it. The luxury tax is a larger concern, with 14 teams above that threshold, though several of them have filled their rosters and the expensive repeat offender in Phoenix has embraced a massive payroll and waived Nassir Little with $22 million left on his deal, effectively adding a minimum-level salary to their dead money for years to come. 

It's not the money. It's about opportunity, which is why expansion feels so overdue. It's been 20 years since the league last created a new team, yet Seattle and Vegas could be multiple seasons away.  

All these veterans, Walker IV included, have imperfections that could impact their ability to play consistently. On paper, Walker IV had a great year in Brooklyn, averaging 9.7 points per game, 20.1 per 36 minutes, and shooting 38.4% from three. He hit 39.4% off the bounce and 39.6% in catch-and-shoot situations, and with threes being such a valuable currency around the league, that should count for something. 

His efficiency wavered inside the arc, shooting 59.8% at the rim and 34.8% from the mid-range, but this marked his third straight year improving from the corner, from 37% to 40% to 44%. 

The problems show in his efficiency stats, posting 0.83 points per possession running pick-and-roll, 0.91 PPP in isolation, 1.05 PPP spotting up and 0.73 PPP off screens, all ranking in the middle or below percentiles of the NBA, while his defensive numbers in isolation (1.21 PPP) and against pick-and-rolls (1.15 PPP) were among the worst in the NBA. 

Some of those could be due in part to a disastrous situation in Brooklyn last year, ranking 24th as a team in pick-and-roll creation, just above the middle of the league in rolling and shooting. He fared better (0.98 PPP) running pick-and-roll in LA and his last year in San Antonio (0.94 PPP), but worse defending in isolation (1.34 PPP). Having 6-10 length should help more than it seems to. 

“Learn how to play with teammates, understand what solid means as far as winning and losing. And that takes a little bit of time. And he's definitely progressed throughout in that regard,” Gregg Popovich said in 2022. 

The Spurs coach, other times, criticized Walker's competitiveness. Walker IV later praised LA head coach Darvin Ham's willingness to let him play through mistakes. Despite all that, it's surprising Walker IV couldn't at least find a minimum deal somewhere, including back in Brooklyn. 

Kevin O'Connor noted Walker IV's explosiveness entering the 2018 draft, ranking him as his 19th overall prospect in the class. He could get his shot off with a smooth release despite not having great ball-handling skills, and showed quickness to pair with his size on the defensive end. Nothing appeared consistent, though, and those highs-and-lows continued into his pro career. He won a famous 2023 swing game in the Lakers-Warriors series with a massive second half scoring performance. Other times, he disappears, shoots layups from too far away, settles for tough shots or doesn't feel out the right play. Draft Express also noted his strong physical tools not pairing with enough assertiveness, communication or activity on the floor, especially off-ball. 

Walker IV only played one college season at Miami, so he only turns 26 in December, making him younger than Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard despite already spending six seasons in the NBA. There's room for improvement, and more importantly a shift in his role at this point in his career. That could explain the possibility that he spends some time in Maine if he doesn't make the roster in camp, a risk for Boston in that any other team could sign him at any time if they go that route, with the advantage being some tax savings for the Celtics, playing time and developmental attention with Maine for Walker IV, along with the $75,000 bonus that the Exhibit 10 deal affords players. It's a flier a loaded Boston team can afford to take. 

The Celtics also signed Ron Harper Jr., a 24-year-old shooter with a strong physique, and Tristan Enaruna, a 23-year-old undrafted athletic wing from the Netherlands who once committed to Kansas, on Exhibit 10 contracts. They share the same incentives to eventually end up in the G-League, another path for those on the fringes of the NBA that is less than ideal, between the small bonus and salaries that often fall below $100,000. Killian Tillie, who played with the Celtics in Summer League, opted to play in Spain. Some players like DJ Steward spend the season in the G-League hoping for a call-up that never comes, but after a strong Summer League showing following his 19.1 PPG with Maine in 2024, Steward earned a two-way deal with Chicago. 

"Everyone’s process is different, enjoy yours," Walker IV wrote on Instagram this week. "It will only continue to get better with discipline and consistency. Remember your hardest battle is yourself. Thanks to everyone who congratulated me but the job is far from finished. I’m excited for what’s yet to become."

Here's what else happened around the NBA this week...

Boston: Signed 25-year-old wing Lonnie Walker IV, who played for the Nets last season after a stint with the Lakers in 2022-23. Walker IV joined the Celtics on an Exhibit 10 contract, effectively a training camp invite, and could begin the year in Maine if he doesn't make Boston's roster. The Celtics have typically kept their 15th and final roster spot open, doing so until Apr. 9 last year, and have luxury tax incentives to do so again. Walker IV makes a compelling case to claim that final spot at some point though, shooting 39% on pull-up and catch-and-shoot threes last year. The Spurs drafted Walker IV 18th overall in 2018, where he became teammates with Derrick White to begin his career. Tom Brady defended Jayson Tatum over his Olympic benching, which Jrue Holiday reacted to this week during a restaurant opening in Boston. 

"I think everybody here knows J.T., he’s the ultimate professional," Holiday said. "He already knows what it is and what the ultimate goal is. I don’t think he needed any encouragement. I think it was more about staying ready whenever it’s time to be called.”

Cleveland: Signed 2022 second-round draft pick Luke Travers to a two-way contract as their search for guard depth continues. Travers, 22, played for Melbourne United in Australia last season and is a native of Perth. He averaged 12.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 BPG and 1.2 SPG while shooting 51.7% from the field. Restricted free agent Isaac Okoro could depart the Cavs through a trade, though he could sign his qualifying offer and return to free agency next summer like Miles Bridges did last year. Brian Windhorst reported that nothing will likely materialize in either direction until training camp. 

Dallas: Kyrie Irving (hand) took part in a limited fashion during the Mavericks' players mini camp in Los Angeles this week alongside 14 teammates, including Klay Thompson. Irving underwent surgery this summer and hasn't been cleared for five-on-five play yet. Mark Cuban apologized to Knicks star Jalen Brunson about comments he made two years ago when Brunson left Dallas in a difficult negotiation. Cuban had said Jalen's father, Knicks assistant Rick Brunson, got involved and never gave the Mavericks a chance to retain Jalen. Jalen said he didn't like his parents being brought up. Brunson previously said he would've stayed with Dallas on a four-year, $55 million extension, which the Mavs wouldn't offer. He went to New York for four years, $104 million. 

Denver: Russell Westbrook clarified that he'll wear No. 4 for the Nuggets, which he formerly wore with the Wizards, after Christian Braun had reportedly refused to give up No. 0. Westbrook refuted that claim on Instagram, saying he and Braun never discussed exchanging the number, which Westbrook has worn for 15 of his NBA seasons. Nuggets assistant Ognjen Stojakovic said the Olympics made many realize Nikola Jokic's greatness.

Golden State: Steph Curry signed a one-year, $62.6 million extension that'll keep him with the Warriors through the 2026-27 season. Draymond Green and Steve Kerr join him, committed to Golden State through at least 2026. He will become the first NBA player to make more than $60 million in a season, remaining the NBA's highest-paid player. Curry, who spoke about his future and iconic Olympics run, said he still thinks the Warriors can win. 

"You have an appreciation for the position and the opportunity and the support from people who’ve been with you on the journey. I’ve always said I wanted to play for one team my whole career. So it’s good to get (the extension) question out of the way and give complete focus to basketball and to the season," Curry said. 

Indiana: TJ McConnell signed a four-year, $45 million extension that keeps him with the Pacers through the 2028-29 season. A popular trade target through Indiana's rebuild, McConnell survived five seasons with the Pacers following his departure from Philadelphia and broke out as one of the league's best backup point guards last year. He averaged 10.2 PPG and 5.5 APG while playing strong defense and shooting 40.9% from three. McConnell scored 23 points with nine rebounds and six assists in Game 3 against the Celtics after Tyrese Haliburton went down, Jaylen Brown later saying that the Pacers guard turned into 'Michael f***ing Jordan.' Haliburton, looking back at his Olympic experience, said he tried to recruit everyone to Indiana. 

Clippers: Signed center Ivica Zubac to a three-year, $58.6 million extension that keeps him in LA through 2027-28 for $70 million in total. The new deal will make Zubac a top-15 center in terms of salary after averaging 11.7 PPG and 9.2 RPG last year at 26. This year is his seventh with the Clippers. Ty Lue, in an ESPN interview discussing his Olympic run and losing Paul George, said he's confident Kawhi Leonard (knee) will be ready for camp. 

"When you lose a guy of Paul George's stature, instantly people [think] oh, they can't win or they're not going to be competitive," Lue said. "But that just challenges me even more. OK, people are counting us out or people don't think we're going to be good. That right there just gives me an extra dose of [motivation]." 

Memphis: Announced second-year wing GG Jackson II broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot while playing pick-up basketball this week. He'll undergo surgery next week and is out indefinitely. It's a jarring start to 2024-25 for a Grizzlies team annihilated with so many injuries last season that Jackson II, the 45th pick in last year's draft, received significant ball time and opportunity to play and become part of the team's future. He averaged 14.6 PPG on 42.8% shooting and finished 35.7% on 6.0 threes per game at 19 years old. He scored 44 points on Apr. 14, a Grizzlies rookie record. Players who have dealt with similar injuries missed multiple months. 

Miami: A Netflix series coming out on Oct. 9 follows Jimmy Butler as well as Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James and Domantas Sabonis through the 2023-24 seasons with behind-the-scenes access. Bam Adebayo responded to questions about his willingness to become the Heat's No. 1 option, saying he'd do so if asked, but doesn't view it as taking the most shots. Ira Winderman made the case for Nikola Jovic to start at the four. 

Minnesota: President Tim Connolly didn't paint a straight path for rookie Rob Dillingham playing consistent minutes despite the Timberwolves moving up to the No. 8 pick to select him. Connolly called Dillingham landing on a contender in that fashion a blessing and a curse, and that rookie mistakes could cost him. The Wolves can't take regular season games off, he added, noting how difficult and deep the west appears. Minnesota reportedly has interest in signing Rudy Gobert to an extension after he won defensive player of the year and helped the Wolves reach the west finals. He has a $46.7 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Kevin Garnett blasted Anthony Edwards' take on Michael Jordan being the only skilled player in the 90s.

New York: A West Virginia student will have their tuition covered after Knicks guard Miles McBride hit a shot during ESPN's appearance on campus. 

Philadelphia: Guerschon Yabusele said he didn't think twice about returning to the NBA despite growing comfortable in Europe since the Celtics waived him in 2019. Yabusele recalled some of his time with Boston in his first comments since joining the 76ers and expressed excitement about playing next to Joel Embiid. He noted that he learned from Kyrie Irving, Marcus Morris and the Celtics' veterans during the start of his NBA career. The battle over moving the Sixers downtown continues.  

“The experience of Boston, even if I didn't have the chance to play a lot of minutes, I still have that experience,” Yabusele said. “I remember when I was talking to some of the vets like Al Horford, he was talking to me and giving me advice. So I still have those little things here running in my head. I know it's gonna be a long season and just gotta be focused and do your thing.”

Sacramento: Kevin Huerter said that DeMar DeRozan makes the Kings automatically better in some of the first commentary from teammates on the move since Sacramento traded for DeRozan earlier this summer. Huerter touted the Kings' defensive growth and expects them to be in the mix with any of the other contenders in the conference this season. Huerter, who underwent shoulder surgery in the spring, has been cleared for on-court workouts. 

"The West is a really tough [conference]," Huerter said. "We felt like last year we dropped a couple easy ones at home or things we could have won and you're still just right in the mix. Every year there's two or three at the top and then everybody else seems to be right in the middle. So we've sat there kind of the past two years. I think we have a lot of confidence. It can go any way. We'll be able to score and play with anybody.

San Antonio: The Athletic highlighted Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson in its NBA 40-under-40 list, noting that he could become Gregg Popovich's successor. Johnson, 37, played from 2005-2009 at Stanford and has spent the last five seasons as an assistant on Popovich's staff, reportedly interviewing for the Raptors' head coaching job last summer. Jeremy Sochan avoided injury in a car accident this week.