The Sixers have made another post-deadline move, signing former Boston Celtic Lonnie Walker IV to a two-year, $3.7 million deal. Until now, Walker has spent this season playing overseas for Žalgiris Kaunas of the EuroLeague, and it appeared that he would remain with BC Žalgiris through the rest of the season.
His contract with Žalgiris had an NBA opt-out clause that went through Feb. 18, meaning that the Sixers swooped in to secure Walker’s services at the last possible moment. Walker’s contract includes a team option for next season.
Walker brings a strong skillset with him to the Sixers. The Reading, PA native is a serviceable scorer and defender with the ability to create his own shots. Last season, with the Brooklyn Nets, Walker took strides as a three-point shooter, shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc on 4.7 attempts a night. In the 19 games Walker has appeared in for BC Žalgiris, he has shot 45.2% from the field and 33.1% from three on 6.2 threes attempted, averaging 13.6 points a game. He has also averaged 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per night.
It’s easy to see just how impactful Walker can be with both the starters and the second unit. His skill set is borderline plug-and-play in this era of NBA basketball. He’s a strong enough shooter to be serviceable alongside stars, but his love for the midrange and scoring will make him one of the best members of the bench unit.
His defense and shooting capabilities can fit almost anywhere, and his ability to create his own shot is especially helpful on the nights when the Sixers’ stars are unavailable. While Grimes will likely get the start next to Maxey most of the time, Walker IV can slide in should the Sixers’ starting unit need some extra punch to it.
After converting Justin Edwards and Jared Butler to standard deals and giving David Roddy a 10-day contract, the Sixers had already filled up their 15 roster spots. The Sixers could certainly release Roddy or let his deal expire, which would come Thursday, Feb. 20. This would mean that Philadelphia, for the first time all season, would have a full 15-man roster of all guaranteed contracts.
This contract with Walker also allows the Sixers to remain under the tax for this season and potentially have another rostered player on an affordable deal next season, leaving the door open to resigning Guerschon Yabusele next offseason.
