Player Could Be Waived by Celtics Before 2024–25 Season Opener……

Player Could Be Waived by Celtics Before 2024–25 Season Opener……

Lonnie Walker IV was one of the top shooting guards available as a free agent as recently as last week. He was then signed to a one-year contract by the Boston Celtics, who swooped him up.

The 25-year-old may receive a bonus under the terms of his contract, Exhibit 10, if he is waived and goes on to play for their G League affiliate. But there’s no denying that Walker signed a contract with the intention of making the typical 15-man roster. Maybe he has the humility to play for the Maine Red Claws. He had thus far participated in 29 games during his rookie campaign with the Austin Spurs, the G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. He is still superior than the great majority of G League players, though We are aware of it. He is aware of it. The Celtics know it.

Walker might be cut after training camp in order to free up Boston’s 15th roster slot for the start of the campaign, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

It seems odd to waive Walker before the season when they don’t truly need a roster slot available. But it’s most likely related to the Pennsylvanian signing a contract that includes Exhibit 10. He may therefore be a predetermined cut from the regular 15-man roster after training camp concludes.

Walker may still be signed by the Celtics to a hybrid deal following his waiver release. Their three designated two-way slots are already fully booked. Nevertheless, if Walker performs better than any of those guys, one of them might be fired.

Boston most likely won’t give up Anton Watson, a Gonzaga player, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft in exchange for Walker. But they should be cautious about their other two-way guys, Drew Peterson and JD Davison. Both are now NBA champions and were members of the Celtics squad the previous year. However, when they were called up from the G League, their performance was essentially inconsequential.

But Walker’s experience goes beyond what Watson, Davison, and Peterson have. He has demonstrated more productivity. He might have the advantage because Boston is trying to find a way to outperform their rivals. It would be fortunate to have a guy with his body of work on a two-way contract.

Walker will undoubtedly have the opportunity to sign with another team if the Celtics waive him. He might very well get signed if his classmates push for it.

Nine teams, including three contenders—the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic—now have two-way slots available. The Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers are the five teams in contention with multiple players on non-guaranteed contracts.

The Sixers, Cavs, and Kings are the only three of the eight teams with available roster places. There is room for a free agent among the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves, two other contenders. Therefore, if Boston waives Walker following training camp, at least one-third of the league might sign him. Within theevent of injury, that number could go up.

Is that a risk the Celtics want to take? Is a player like Oshae Brissett good enough to justify Walker being cut instead of him?