NBA Free Agency: Defending champion Celtics sign one-year deal with Lonnie Walker IV, according to report

The defending champion Boston Celtics have added a new player to bolster their depth ahead of training camp starting next month. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the team agreed to a one-year deal with Lonnie Walker IV on Wednesday. According to Shams Charania, the Exhibit 10 contract allows the Celtics to pay Walker a bonus if he is waived in training camp and plays for their G League team.

Walker, a first-round pick by the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, spent last season with the Brooklyn Nets. He got off to a great start but then strained his hamstring, which kept him out all of December. Upon returning to action, he was unable to find a rhythm. Overall, he averaged 9.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 58 games off the bench, and shot 38.4% from behind the arc.

It’s a little surprising that Walker didn’t get a bigger deal, but it’s possible he would have preferred the opportunity to win a title with the Celtics. After all, he’s only reached the playoffs twice in six seasons, and has never advanced beyond the Conference Finals.

Walker’s arrival means that Oshae Brissett is unlikely to return. Assuming Walker replaces Brissett this season, he will be the ninth/tenth player and his playing time will depend on matchups and injuries. Putting him in that spot is a great option for the Celtics, as he can provide some individual scoring off the bench and floor spacing. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla’s offensive philosophy is based on shooting in every situation, and Walker has proven he can do that.

The Celtics will be looking to get back into the game quickly this season, as they begin training camp on Sept. 25 ahead of their preseason games in Abu Dhabi against the Denver Nuggets. A month later, They will hoist the 18th banner on the roof of TD Garden on opening night against the New York Knicks. Then, they will begin their doubleheader campaign, hoping to become the first team to win it twice in a row since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.