After Two Long Months, Lonnie Walker Finally Signs! Why Is the 25-Year-Old Struggling So Much?

Lonnie Walker IV, once a promising young talent with the San Antonio Spurs, has had a tumultuous few years in the NBA. After spending nearly two months searching for a new team during the 2023 offseason, Walker has finally signed a one-year deal with the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics. But before Celtics fans get too excited, it’s important to note that this is not a guaranteed contract—it’s an Exhibit 10 contract. This type of deal, while it offers a path to a roster spot, also reflects just how much Walker’s stock has fallen in the league.

What Is an Exhibit 10 Contract?

An Exhibit 10 contract is one of the more complex and lesser-known types of contracts in the NBA. Essentially, it is a non-guaranteed deal that includes a bonus if the player is waived and then signs with the team’s G League affiliate. The player must remain with the G League team for at least 60 days to earn this bonus, which can range from $5,000 to $50,000. Teams can have up to six players on Exhibit 10 contracts at any given time, and these deals do not count against the salary cap.

If a player on an Exhibit 10 contract impresses during training camp, the team can convert the contract into a two-way deal, which offers a more secure path to an NBA roster spot. However, if the team chooses to waive the player, the Exhibit 10 contract allows them to keep the player within their system, offering a way back to the NBA through strong performances in the G League.

While it’s a more precarious situation than a fully guaranteed contract or even a two-way contract, an Exhibit 10 deal is still an opportunity—albeit a challenging one. For Walker, it’s a chance to prove himself on a team with championship aspirations, but it’s also a stark indicator of where he currently stands in the league.

Walker’s Journey: From Promise to Precariousness

Lonnie Walker’s career has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance but also periods of inconsistency and disappointment. A first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Walker entered the league with high expectations. The Spurs, known for their player development prowess, saw potential in Walker’s athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive upside. However, his time in San Antonio was marred by injuries and erratic play, preventing him from truly breaking out as a star.

After four seasons with the Spurs, Walker signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2022-2023 season. This was an opportunity for a fresh start, and Walker did show glimpses of his potential. In 23.2 minutes per game, he averaged 11.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, with shooting splits of 44.8% from the field, 36.5% from three, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage was a respectable 57.0%, and he had several standout performances throughout the season.

One of Walker’s most memorable moments with the Lakers came during the 2023 playoffs against the Golden State Warriors. In Game 4 of that series, Walker scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, helping the Lakers secure a crucial victory and take a 3-1 series lead. His clutch performance earned praise from teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis and reminded everyone of the talent that had made him a first-round pick.

However, despite these highlights, the Lakers opted not to bring Walker back after the season. The 2023 free agency period proved to be a challenging one for him, as he failed to secure another mid-level exception or a fully guaranteed contract. Instead, Walker ended up signing a minimum deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

During the 2023-2024 season with the Nets, Walker’s production dipped slightly. He appeared in 58 games, averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes per game. While his scoring was down, Walker did improve his three-point shooting, hitting 38.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc—a career-best. Despite this, his overall impact on the game remained inconsistent, and he struggled to find a steady role in the Nets’ rotation.

Why Is Walker Struggling?

There are several factors contributing to Lonnie Walker’s struggles in the NBA. One of the most significant issues has been his inconsistency. Walker has shown that he can be a potent scorer, capable of putting up big numbers in short bursts. However, his performances have often been erratic, with his "heat check" nature leading to games where he is either on fire or virtually invisible. This lack of consistency makes it difficult for teams to rely on him as a regular rotation player, especially in high-stakes situations like the playoffs.

Another major concern is Walker’s defense. While he has the athletic tools to be a good defender, he has often been criticized for his lack of focus and effort on the defensive end. In today’s NBA, where teams increasingly value versatility and two-way players, a lack of defensive prowess can be a significant drawback. Walker’s struggles on defense have likely contributed to his difficulty in securing a long-term, guaranteed contract.

Injuries have also played a role in Walker’s career trajectory. Over the past two seasons, he has missed 50 games due to various ailments. This inconsistent availability has further hindered his ability to establish himself as a reliable contributor. Teams are often hesitant to invest in players with a history of injuries, particularly when those players have yet to fully prove themselves.

Finally, the evolving landscape of the NBA’s labor market has also affected Walker’s value. With the implementation of new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) rules, teams are becoming more cautious with their spending, especially on players who are not proven stars. The emphasis on size, defense, and versatility means that players like Walker, who are primarily known for their scoring, may find themselves struggling to secure lucrative deals unless they can offer more in other areas.

The Road Ahead: Walker’s Battle for a Roster Spot

Now, as Lonnie Walker joins the Boston Celtics on an Exhibit 10 contract, he faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the team’s final roster. The Celtics, fresh off an NBA championship, have a deep and talented roster. All three of their two-way contract slots are already filled, and there is only one open spot on their 15-man roster. Walker will need to compete against several young players and prove that he deserves that final spot.

On the surface, Walker has a few factors working in his favor. He is only 25 years old, and as a former first-round pick, he still possesses the raw talent and athleticism that made him a highly regarded prospect. Additionally, his three-point shooting, which improved significantly last season, aligns with the Celtics’ emphasis on perimeter scoring.

However, Walker’s path to a roster spot is far from guaranteed. He will need to demonstrate that he can provide consistent scoring off the bench while also showing improvement on the defensive end. Given his history of inconsistency and defensive struggles, this will not be an easy task.

Walker himself seems to recognize the importance of this opportunity. Earlier this offseason, when he was still unsigned, he took to social media to express his frustration and determination, writing, “I haven’t even reached my peak yet. You’ll see soon enough. The apologies and disrespect will be just as loud.” While his words were bold, his current situation suggests that he has a lot of work to do to back them up.

Before signing with the Celtics, Walker reportedly had a workout with the Sacramento Kings, but they ultimately decided not to offer him a contract. This is yet another reminder of how precarious his position in the NBA has become. However, the fact that he has landed with the Celtics, even on an Exhibit 10 contract, is a positive sign. It means that he still has a chance to prove himself, and if he can perform well in training camp, he could potentially earn a spot on a championship-contending team.

A Second Chance with the Celtics

For Lonnie Walker, signing with the Celtics represents a new chapter in his career. While the terms of the contract may not be what he had hoped for, it still offers him a valuable opportunity. The Celtics are a team with a winning culture, and they have a history of developing players who go on to have successful careers. If Walker can make the most of this opportunity, he could find himself in a much better position next offseason.

Should he secure a spot on the roster and contribute to the Celtics’ quest for back-to-back championships, Walker’s value around the league could increase significantly. Teams are always looking for players who can perform under pressure, and Walker has already shown that he can step up in big moments, as he did during the Lakers’ playoff run in 2023.

However, if Walker fails to make the team and ends up in the G League, his journey will become even more challenging. He will need to continue refining his game, working on his consistency, and improving his defense if he hopes to return to the NBA in a meaningful capacity. The road ahead is difficult, but it is not impossible.

For now, Lonnie Walker’s focus must be on proving that he belongs in the NBA. He has the talent, and at 25 years old, he still has time to turn his career around. But the clock is ticking, and the margin for error is shrinking. The next few months will be critical for Walker as he attempts to secure his place in the league and redefine his career.