Lonnie Walker IV. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Lonnie Walker IV is the perfect dice roll for Celtics

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Aug 29, 2024 3:06 PM ET

The Boston Celtics have signed Lonnie Walker IV to an Exhibit 10 contract. The veteran guard will team up with Joe Mazzulla's roster for training camp before the front office decides whether to give him the 15th and final roster spot.

Walker spent last season with the Brooklyn Nets, playing 58 games and averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three-point range.

Adding the veteran wing on a non-guaranteed deal is a no-risk move for Boston. Mazzulla and his coaching staff will get a closer look at Walker throughout their preseason preparations, allowing them to make a decision based on the impression he makes.

Contract details for Lonnie Walker IV with the Celtics, sources said: Exhibit 10. An E10 allows Celtics to give a bonus to Walker if he is waived after training camp and plays for the team's G League affiliate in Maine.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 29, 2024

Should Walker secure a spot on Boston's roster, he would further strengthen the Celtics' offensive firepower. He is a three-level scorer who thrives on the perimeter. He would slot into a floor-spacing role, with most of his shots coming off the catch.

However, Walker's limited defense could be a problem. For all the plaudits the Celtics receive for their offense, defense remains their identity. If Walker struggles to guard his yard, he may find regular minutes challenging to come by.

That's why an Exhibit 10 deal is a valuable tool for teams. Walker must prove he can hang in Boston's rotation during training camp. He will be tested within the team's system behind closed doors, without outside pressure. If he fails to reach the necessary level, Boston can funnel him to the G League to continue developing him.

Walker was one of the best free agents left on the market. He's a proven scorer in the NBA and can operate as a microwave guy off the bench. Now, he can earn a spot on arguably the best team in the NBA. Boston has no money committed to the veteran wing right now, so if he struggles to make an impression, it can waive him without eating a cap hit.

President of basketball operations Brad Stevens has made another smart move, and now it's up to Walker to earn his place.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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