Why the Celtics chose to waive Lonnie Walker IV originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
After joining the Boston Celtics on Exhibit 10 training camp invitesLonnie Walker IV knew he faced an uphill battle to make the team’s opening night roster. Mostly for reasons beyond their own control.
Despite an interesting camp in which he reaffirmed to the Celtics and the rest of the league that he can still be an NBA contributor, Walker was waived Saturday as the Celtics opted to carry only 14 players on their roster into opening night of the 2024-25 season.
Celtics players and coaches raved about Walker’s positive energy and his relentless work ethic. That culminated Friday night when, after the team gathered for its annual Shamrock Gala in Everett, Walker moved to the Auerbach Center gym for a midnight workout during his final hours with the team.
Ultimately, the luxury tax conspired against Walker. The Celts are already ready to pay a big tax. Carrying Walker on a $2 million minimum salary contract could still have cost the team more than $10 million had the team not otherwise trimmed salary before season’s end.
Walker got off to a slow start during Boston’s first two preseason games in Abu Dhabi but shined when the Celtics moved stateside. He did just about everything he could to force the Celtics to think hard about carrying a 15th player.
The team simply prioritized flexibility and money management. That Walker forced the team to think about wearing him tells just how much of an impression he made with his approach and play.
Walker will have the option to join the Maine Celtics as an affiliated player. Unlike Boston’s three two-way players — rookie Anton Watson, JD Davison and Drew Peterson — the Celtics couldn’t call up Walker without first signing him to the parent roster. An in-season shuffle to Boston’s roster could open a path to bring Walker back down the road.
The decision to cut Walker gives someone like Jaden Springer a chance to prove the team made the right investment in spending a second-round pick to acquire him last season. But Springer must continue to develop to justify the $4 million salary, which is also increased by tax penalties.
The Celtics could have carried Walker into the regular season as the 15th player without an immediate penalty. But limited options to add players and could have created challenges if the team wanted to cut costs before the trade deadline.
Walker should receive consideration from NBA teams navigating preseason injuries. Some of Boston’s rivals might be intrigued by what they saw in Walker’s preseason game with the Celtics.
