Denver Nuggets Sign Lonnie Walker IV to One-Year, $3.3 Million Contract

Lonnie Walker IV joins the Denver Nuggets on a $3.3 million deal after averaging 15.2 points for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Lonnie Walker IV has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, as confirmed by agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group on Wednesday night. The 2018 first-round pick out of Miami returns to the NBA following a stint in the EuroLeague with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he averaged 15.2 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Walker and the Israeli club reached a separation agreement this week to facilitate his move back to North America for his eighth professional season in the league.

During his most recent NBA campaign in 2024-25, Walker played for the Philadelphia 76ers and averaged 12.4 points per contest. Over the course of his career, which began with four seasons as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, the guard has maintained a scoring average of 10.0 points per game. This signing follows a period where Walker was under a lucrative multiyear deal abroad before opting to rejoin the domestic circuit.

Denver Roster Adjustments and Salary Cap Status

The Nuggets are currently distinguished as the only NBA franchise operating within the second apron of the luxury tax. To bolster their rotation, the front office has secured several new additions this offseason, including EuroLeague Defender of the Year Alpha Diallo and big man Marvin Bagley III. The team also successfully retained restricted free agent Spencer Jones and guard Tyus Jones to fill out the depth chart.

These roster moves are designed to mitigate the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr., who exited Denver to sign a free agent contract with the Miami Heat. Team officials hope the combination of Walker’s offensive output and Diallo’s defensive prowess will compensate for lost production. The team is also navigating the potential exit of Peyton Watson, who remains a restricted free agent with a one-year, $6.5 million qualifying offer on the table.

Ongoing Trade Discussions and Peyton Watson

Denver remains engaged in active trade negotiations involving a potential sign-and-trade for Watson. Sources indicate that the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and LA Clippers are among the multiple teams in discussions with the Nuggets regarding the forward. If Watson accepts his current qualifying offer, he would be positioned to become an unrestricted free agent during the next summer period.

Walker’s arrival provides immediate backcourt depth as the franchise manages these complex salary cap constraints and trade talks. The 27-year-old guard brings 484 games of NBA experience to a roster looking to remain competitive while navigating the strict financial penalties of the second apron. His $3.3 million salary fits into a structure that has seen significant turnover following the loss of veteran scoring.

Career Trajectory of the Miami Product

Since being selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, Walker has established himself as a consistent double-digit scorer. His four-year tenure in San Antonio served as the foundation of his career before he moved through various rotations, eventually leading to his 12.4-point average in Philadelphia. His brief departure for the EuroLeague saw him maintain high-level efficiency, which the Nuggets front office cited as a primary reason for his recruitment this August.

By adding Walker alongside Marvin Bagley III, Denver has prioritized former high-draft picks to supplement their core. The acquisition of Alpha Diallo further emphasizes a shift toward integrating international talent with proven NBA contributors. As the Wednesday night announcement concludes the primary phase of their backcourt recruitment, the Nuggets turn their focus toward resolving the status of their remaining restricted free agents and finalizing the active trade talks with Eastern and Western Conference suitors.