This season has not gone the Philadelphia 76ers‘ way. After signing Paul George in the offseason, many believed the 76ers would finish as a top team in the East. Over halfway through the season, however, this is not the case. At the All-Star break, the 76ers are 14 games under .500 and own the No. 11 seed in the East. They have a lot of work to do if they want to earn a playoff spot. However, they are reportedly landing a reinforcement to bolster their roster. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the 76ers have signed Lonnie Walker IV to a two-year, $3 million 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
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Walker is a six-year veteran who has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. He also played for the Boston Celtics in the preseason but was waived before the start of the season.
Earlier today, reports surfaced saying Walker would spend the rest of the season in Lithuania.
Philadelphia 76ers Sign Athletic Wing in Shocking Turn of Events
Why the Philadelphia 76ers Signed Lonnie Walker IV
Walker is a veteran wing who provides a lot of athleticism and energy. Furthermore, he is a legitimate scorer and has defensive upside. As for the 76ers specifically, he provides depth. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the 76ers wanted to bring Walker in because of Eric Gordon‘s wrist injury.
With Eric Gordon battling a wrist injury this month and his return TBD, Philadelphia pressed Tuesday to sign Lonnie Walker IV before his NBA buyout clause expired, league sources say.
But the Sixers, I’m told, have been tracking Walker all season as he played in the EuroLeague. https://t.co/R4IkcjBO7a
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 18, 2025
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Additionally, the 76ers signed Walker to a very team-friendly deal. Bringing him in is a low-risk, high-reward move for Philadelphia. Considering how bad their season has been so far, this is a good pickup for them. It also helps that Walker is a Pennsylvania native and is familiar with the area. It is not likely that this played a role in the 76ers signing him, but it is a plus regardless.
The 76ers are in the midst of a five-game losing streak and have lost seven of their last nine games. They will take the court again on Thursday against the reigning champion Celtics.
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