Lonnie Walker IV faces a significant challenge in his quest to secure a spot on the Boston Celtics roster. The 25-year-old guard, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics this offseason, is determined to prove his worth. However, the biggest obstacle to his goal isn’t just his performance but the financial impact of keeping him on the team.
According to NBA insider Bobby Manning, the Celtics would face a $10 million tax hit if they decided to retain Walker. Manning tweeted, “The biggest hurdle by far to Walker making #Celtics is the $10M tax hit. Not sure there’s much he can do to overcome that.” This staggering cost stems from the luxury tax bracket Boston is currently in, making every dollar spent on Walker far more expensive.
Keith Smith of Spotrac added more detail, explaining that Boston is in a $3.75 tax multiplier bracket for every dollar spent. If the Celtics keep Walker on his veteran minimum salary of approximately $2.1 million, that would push them into the next bracket, raising the tax multiplier to $4.25. This would result in an additional tax hit of nearly $8.8 million, bringing the total cost of retaining Walker to around $11 million.
Walker remains focused on his performance and his goal of earning a guaranteed contract. During the Celtics’ media day, he acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized his commitment to proving himself. “I’m still on an E10,” Walker said, referring to his Exhibit 10 contract. “Right now, I’m really just trying to earn that guaranteed contract.”
Walker is no stranger to battling for a roster spot. Last season, he played for the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
While an Exhibit 10 deal allows Walker to compete for a place on the Celtics’ regular-season roster, it also provides a pathway to the G League if needed. If Walker does not make the final roster, he could still play for the Celtics’ G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, while receiving financial incentives. But Walker’s ultimate goal is clear: a guaranteed NBA contract.
The Celtics must weigh whether retaining Walker is worth the additional tax cost or if another option will emerge for their 15th roster spot. As Manning pointed out, Boston will have to consider the likelihood of another team signing Walker if they decide to let him go.
For now, Walker continues to focus on what he can control—his performance on the court. “Honestly, just controlling the controllables. Leave it all up to God to say the least. With God on your side, how can you lose?” he said during media day, expressing confidence in his ability to secure a spot on the Celtics’ roster.
Walker’s journey in the NBA has been defined by perseverance. After spending four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. He then signed with the Nets, where he played a significant role off the bench. Now with Boston, Walker hopes to secure a more permanent role in the league.
