The Philadelphia 76ers are back in action following the All-Star break, and they’ve made a major move by agreeing to a two-year, $3.7 million contract with wing player Lonnie Walker. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the deal, which includes a team option for the second year, as confirmed by PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck.
Lonnie Walker’s Journey: From Celtics to Euroleague and back
Lonnie Walker, who most recently played for the Boston Celtics, was initially signed by the team during the 2024 offseason on a one-year deal. However, the Celtics waived Walker on October 19, and he quickly found a new home with Zalgiris Kaunas in the Euroleague.
The unexpected nature of this signing comes shortly after Walker’s agent announced that the Reading, PA, native would be finishing the season overseas.
Lonnie Walker’s NBA career stats and experience
Throughout his six-year NBA career, Walker spent the majority of his time with the San Antonio Spurs. Over that span, he averaged 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Additionally, he boasts a respectable career three-point shooting percentage of 35.6%, attempting 3.9 shots per game from beyond the arc.
Philadelphia’s changing roster amid uncertainty
The Sixers’ decision to sign Walker comes during a turbulent season that has sparked discussions about potentially shutting down their star players after the All-Star break. While no concrete decisions have been made, the team’s recent moves—such as converting Justin Edwards and Jared Butler to standard NBA contracts—indicate a potential reshuffling of their roster. The addition of Walker could further shift the team’s plans as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
With the likes of Edwards, Butler, and trade acquisition Quentin Grimes joining the mix, and now Walker added to the fold, the Sixers have effectively overhauled a significant portion of their rotation since the beginning of the season.
Whether the Sixers are making these changes in a final push for the postseason or building towards next year’s campaign remains to be seen. Walker’s contract structure, which mirrors those of Edwards and Butler, offers flexibility. The Sixers can either pick up his team option for next season or explore a longer-term deal depending on his performance and the team’s needs.