Lonnie Walker IV Hinted Redemption Months Before Reported Celtics Deal

The Boston Celtics had their hands tied after ownership committed over $930 million to its championship-defending starting lineup of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Yet, that didn't stop president of basketball operations Brad Stevens from targeting the free agency market in August.

Boston agreed to a one-year, Exhibit 10 contract with guard Lonnie Walker IV, per The Athletic's Shams Charania, providing the dynamic six-year veteran a chance to secure a roster spot following training camp. The Celtics punted on retaining Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk this offseason, which left open a door for the team's final roster spot for Walker, who after a 58-game run with the Brooklyn Nets in 2023-24, sent a self-motivating message months before agreeing to terms with the Celtics.

"I ain't even reach my prime yet, y'all gonna see soon," Walker published on X on June 29. "The apology better be just as loud as the disrespect."

Walker's undergone a journeyman's turn after a productive four-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he averaged 9.4 points on 41.4% shooting from the field with 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists after being selected 18th overall in the 2018 draft. The 25-year-old settled for one-year deals with the Nets and Los Angeles Lakers the past two seasons, still unable to establish an effective defensive identity, although showing plenty of flashes of offensive upside in the process. Walker shot 38.4% from 3-point range last season, including 50.9% from corner threes and 39.6% (67-for-169) on catch-and-shoot threes, which combined with an ability to handle the ball, makes him an upgrade over both Brissett and Mykhailiuk -- who both played minimal off-the-bench roles in head coach Joe Mazzulla's reserve rotations last season.

The pressure of living up to the jaw-dropping payroll figure, combined with Walker's search for a multi-year contract, make the Celtics and Walker a potentially picture-perfect bond. Both sides are hungry to prove themselves in different ways, although a championship would prove itself beneficial immensely, especially with Walker scheduled to hit the free agency market again in 2025.

Granted, that's a long road ahead, but still one Walker's likely envisioning after seeing the Celtics capture their 18th title over two months ago, from afar.