As the NBA offseason settles into its quiet phase, with training camps still weeks away in late September, the Boston Celtics are gearing up for the upcoming season with a roster that’s largely set. However, one intriguing storyline has emerged: the Celtics’ decision to leave their final roster spot open, coupled with the surprising news that former Celtic Lonnie Walker has inked a blockbuster deal overseas, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined indefinitely, the Celtics are treating this season as a strategic “gap year,” focusing on developing their young talent and managing their finances. This approach explains their reluctance to pursue free agents, even one as tantalizingly familiar as Lonnie Walker, who’s now headed to Israel to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv on a jaw-dropping three-year, $10 million contract.
.@lonniewalker_4 is BACK in the league 🔥
He signs a deal with @MaccabiTLVBC ✍️
Blockbuster move! pic.twitter.com/DCrslyp7uH
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) August 4, 2025
Lonnie Walker’s career has been a whirlwind of potential and adaptability. Last season, the dynamic guard split his time between the Lithuanian Basketball League and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, where he showcased his scoring prowess. In 20 games with the 76ers, Walker averaged an impressive 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, while shooting 35.4% from beyond the arc. His performance made it all the more surprising when Philadelphia declined his $2.9 million option, setting him free to explore new opportunities.
Walker’s brief stint with the Celtics last offseason had fans buzzing with excitement. Signed to an Exhibit 10 contract, he turned heads in the preseason, averaging 7.3 points in just 16.4 minutes per game. His athleticism, scoring touch, and defensive tenacity seemed like a perfect fit for Boston’s high-octane system. Yet, the harsh realities of the NBA’s luxury tax loomed large. Keeping Walker would have pushed the Celtics deep into the second apron, costing them eight figures—a price deemed too steep for a team already stacked with forward depth.
Fast forward to this offseason, and the Celtics’ roster landscape has shifted. With key departures and newfound financial flexibility, many believed this could have been the perfect moment to bring Walker back into the fold. His versatility and proven production could have added a spark to a team navigating Tatum’s absence. However, Boston’s front office appears committed to their long-term vision, prioritizing youth development over immediate roster additions.
Walker’s decision to sign with Maccabi Tel Aviv is a bold move, but it comes with a silver lining for NBA fans. His contract includes an NBA exit clause after each season, leaving the door open for a potential return to the league—and perhaps even a reunion with the Celtics down the line.
For now, the Celtics are content to move forward with their current roster, banking on their young core to step up in the absence of their star forward. Meanwhile, Lonnie Walker embarks on a new chapter in Israel, where he’ll look to dominate on an international stage. His $10 million deal is a testament to his talent and marketability, and his NBA exit clause ensures that his story in the league is far from over.