NBA Odds: Celtics cut Lonnie Walker IV

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Celtics cut Lonnie Walker IV due to Financial Issues

In an unexpected move, the Boston Celtics have decided to waive Lonnie Walker IV . Instead of maintaining a full 15-man roster, Boston will begin the season with an open slot.

Promising Preseason Performance

There was some speculation that Walker had done enough during the preseason to secure his place on the team. He averaged 7.3 points in 16.4 minutes per game over four appearances. With six years of NBA experience, his career averages are 9.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, making him a valuable player. The Miami veteran has career totals of 9.8 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, 1.5 assists, and a field goal percentage of 42.2%.

Financial Decision

However, the Celtics are about $7 million over the second tax apron, meaning keeping Walker without trimming salaries elsewhere would result in approximately $8.8 million in additional tax penalties, totaling around $11 million to retain him for the season. The decision to waive Walker may reflect Boston’s unwillingness to bear that cost.

What This Means for Bettors

For bettors, this decision has implications. Waiving Walker could indicate that the Celtics are adjusting their financial strategy while seeking to maximize their NBA ODDS. However, it also opens the door for Walker to be claimed by another team in need of a scoring guard.

Although Walker was signed under an Exhibit 10 contract, allowing him to receive a bonus if he spends at least 60 days with the G League team, he could be claimed by an NBA team at any time. His lack of a guaranteed contract could impact his immediate future, but his performance in the G League could keep him on the radar of the Celtics or other teams.

An Uncertain Future

With Walker’s release, the Celtics’ regular-season roster is set with 14 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals. This decision highlights the importance of salary strategies in the NBA, especially in a league where every move can influence a team’s NBA ODDS for the season.

The big question revolves around his desire for playing time. Without a doubt, Walker IV wanted to have minutes from day one. That seems difficult in the rotation of a championship team. However, with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for the early months of the season, there may be some opportunities for him to step onto the court. With a team full of stars and coming off a championship win, it’s hard to find room for a player like him who wants minutes when the competition is fierce. Walker has been on several teams trying to find stability but has always been cut at the end of each season. He will now be looking for luck with another club that seeks a natural shooter.