The Brooklyn Nets have a knack for finding diamond-in-the-rough players. From former lottery picks to undrafted players, Brooklyn has seen team contributors grow their roles and revitalize their careers. Lonnie Walker IV is one such player who was arguably the Nets' most important bench piece during the 2023-24 season. Walker departed the Nets for the Boston Celtics during the offseason, but he still yearns for more.
Despite averaging 9.7 points on a 38.4 percent three-point shooting clip in 17.4 minutes per game for the Nets in 2023-24, Walker did not resign with the team. He later received a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract with the reigning NBA champion Celtics, but he still desires a long-term situation.
"It's bittersweet, to say the least," Walker told NBC Sports Boston during Celtics' media day when asked how he felt about being signed by Boston. "I'm not where I wanna be as far as guaranteed contracts and being part of a team and finding a home... But to be part of a championship organization and understanding that sooner or later preparation will meet the opportunity... I'm mentally and physically and prepared for that moment."
Lonnie Walker IV is a high-level player, but with Boston's caliber of talent on the roster, it was hard for them to give him a guaranteed contract. Surely, Walker will excel in his role, no matter what the conditions of his deal are.
Lonnie Walker IV wants to find a home
Walker started his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, who selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2018 draft. He spent his first four years in the league with the team before stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Nets.
When Walker signed with Brooklyn in 2023, he hoped the move would be long-term. However, things did not quite work out that way. The guard revealed eye-opening insight into what he was looking for during the 2024 free agency period.
“I’m just looking for a home," Walker told Nets Reporter Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. "Just looking for a team that finds me valuable. [I want to be] an important piece for a team that can consistently play… We’ll see how things go.”
If Walker continues to work hard and be professional, there is no doubt he will find the home he is looking for. Even if he cannot get a long-term contract with the Celtics, he might do enough for the team to keep him for the rest of the 2024-25 season. Playing on a championship-caliber team with the possibility of getting a ring is enticing to Walker, and he will do his best with what he has.