The Philadelphia 76ers have struggled throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, making them one of the league’s biggest disappointments. Heading into the All-Star break, the team sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 20-34 record, far from preseason expectations. Despite having a talented core featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, the 76ers have been unable to find success due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Embiid’s ongoing health issues have kept him sidelined for extended stretches, while George has not played up to the level many expected when he joined the franchise.
In an effort to revamp their roster for a potential late-season push, the 76ers have looked beyond the NBA to add depth to their backcourt. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the team has agreed to a two-year, $3 million contract with guard Lonnie Walker IV. The 26-year-old was originally selected 18th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent four seasons developing into a reliable rotation player. Following his tenure in San Antonio, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Walker IV spent just one season with the Lakers before moving on to the Brooklyn Nets. However, his time in the NBA was cut short as he found himself without a roster spot. Seeking a fresh opportunity, he opted to take his talents overseas and signed with Zalgiris Kaunas, a Lithuanian club competing in the EuroLeague. In 19 games with the team, Walker IV performed well, averaging 13.6 points per game and demonstrating his ability to contribute at a high level.
Initially, there were reports suggesting that Walker IV would complete the current EuroLeague season with Zalgiris Kaunas before returning to the NBA for the 2025-26 campaign. However, NBA insider Marc Stein has reported that Walker IV will instead join the 76ers immediately, providing the team with additional guard depth for the remainder of the season. His scoring ability and experience should make him a valuable addition as Philadelphia looks to salvage their season and push for a playoff spot.
Walker IV has consistently shown his effectiveness as a scorer and playmaker throughout his career. His athleticism, shooting ability, and versatility should provide a boost to the 76ers’ struggling roster. With Embiid’s health concerns and the team’s lack of backcourt depth, adding Walker IV could be a smart move to help turn things around. As he makes his return to the NBA, the 76ers are hopeful that his presence will bring an immediate impact.
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