The Nuggets have extended their reach across the Atlantic Ocean twice in one summer.
In their latest attempt to identify talent outside the box, they’re plucking Lonnie Walker IV from the EuroLeague team Maccabi Tel Aviv on an Exhibit 9 contract, two sources told The Denver Post.
Walker, 27, will report to Denver on a training camp invite as he attempts to return to the NBA after spending parts of the last two years overseas. He’ll compete for a Nuggets roster spot at camp this fall. If he makes the team, he’ll be on a one-year veteran minimum contract.
The 6-foot-4 guard has averaged 14.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists . He joins Alpha Diallo as the second free agent to sign a contract with Denver out of the EuroLeague this offseason.
Before venturing east — he also played a stint with the Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas — Walker was settling into a career as an NBA journeyman. He’s played 342 games and started 95 across seven NBA seasons, primarily for the Spurs. San Antonio drafted him with the 18th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of Miami. He went four spots after Denver selected Michael Porter Jr.
Walker has also played for the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers. If and when he takes the court for Denver, he’ll be playing his first NBA minutes since April 13, 2025. He’s averaging 10 points per game in his NBA career on 42.2% shooting from the field and a 35.6% mark from 3-point range.
In Denver, Walker has a chance join a thin backcourt depth chart that currently features Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther and Tyus Jones. Denver still has two open roster spots, as contract negotiations with restricted free agent Peyton Watson remain at an impasse.
If a veteran minimum cap hit is added to the roster as it currently stands, Denver’s payroll would increase to $4.5 million over the second apron, bringing the luxury tax bill up to more than $80 million.
