The Sixers will reportedly sign veteran guard Lonnie Walker IV, who’s spent the season playing overseas in the EuroLeague.
The Philadelphia 76ers are signing Lonnie Walker IV to a two-year contract worth $3 million. ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report the deal.
Lonnie Walker IV has agreed to a two-year, $3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, his agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group told ESPN. Walker has played for Zalgiris Kaunas in the Euroleague and had an NBA-out in his deal. He now enters his 7th NBA season. pic.twitter.com/NQW8xQa1mS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 18, 2025
Many Sixers fans are familiar with Walker, as he grew up in nearby Reading, Pennsylvania. After playing one year at Miami, Walker declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, where he was selected 17th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. He spent his first four seasons with the Spurs before having brief stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Throughout his NBA career, Walker averaged 9.8 points per game, 20.3 minutes per game, with a shooting percentage of 42.2% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc.
This past summer, Walker signed a contract with the Boston Celtics but was later waived due to roster and salary constraints. Following that, he opted to sign with Zalgiris Kaunas in the EuroLeague. During his time there, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range in 19 games (and 15 starts). Now, Walker will join a rapidly evolving backcourt nucleus that includes Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Jared Butler and Quentin Grimes.
This makes sense for both sides. For Walker, it offers the chance to play for his hometown team while stepping into a situation similar to that of former overseas star Guerschon Yabusele, who made his NBA comeback with the Sixers. For the team, it brings in a player capable of scoring while keeping the roster young around Joel Embiid and Paul George — without much long-term risk.
These are the types of moves the Sixers should be making in what many view as a transitional season. Walker brings both upside and youth — qualities that could prove valuable as the team looks to build for the future.