The Denver Nuggets continued adding pieces to their roster on Wednesday night by signing veteran guard Lonnie Walker IV.
However, the move quickly shifted attention toward another potential roster decision that could soon follow.
Lonnie Walker IV Signing May Have Just Revealed Nuggets’ Next Move
Walker has not appeared in an NBA game since the 2024-25 campaign, when he played in 20 games for the Philadelphia 76ers. Last season, he took his talents overseas, suiting up for Maccabi Tel Aviv in both the Israeli Basketball Premier League and the EuroLeague.
After spending a year away from the NBA, the 27-year-old was determined to make his return and has now secured that opportunity with Denver. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Walker agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract.
Lonnie Walker IV has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, agent George S. Langberg of @GSLSportsGroup told ESPN. Walker was with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague after last playing in the NBA in 2024-25 and now enters his 8th season in the league. pic.twitter.com/tvxQc2RRjz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 6, 2026
With Walker’s addition, the Nuggets now have 14 players under contract. If Denver also brings back restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson, the team would reach the 15-player roster limit while already operating in the NBA’s restrictive second apron.
League insider Brett Siegel noted that signing Walker to a veteran minimum contract significantly increased Denver’s luxury tax bill.
According to Siegel, the move pushed the Nuggets’ projected tax bill from roughly $68 million to more than $80 million. He also pointed out that retaining Watson on his $6.5 million qualifying offer would send that tax bill soaring past $120 million.
Those financial implications immediately sparked speculation among the NBA world, with some connecting Walker’s arrival to Watson’s future with the franchise.
“Peyton Watson on the way out?” Barstool Sports’ Dan Greenberg questioned.
Peyton Watson on the way out? https://t.co/D6kQemvA02
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) August 6, 2026
The speculation appeared to have some merit. Shortly after Walker’s signing became official, Charania reported that the Nuggets were actively engaged in sign-and-trade discussions involving Watson. However, for Walker, the move represents a chance to revive his NBA career.
“A nice upgrade from the EuroLeague to the NBA,” one comment read.
a nice upgrade from the EuroLeague to the NBA
— FaCuLtY, the First (@LastbornOyeniyi) August 6, 2026
Walker became a fan favorite during his lone season with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2022-23 season, most notably erupting for 15 fourth-quarter points in the Lakers’ 104-101 Game 4 victory over the Golden State Warriors during the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
The Lonnie Walker Gamepic.twitter.com/kJD2coJ1p2
— CONTENDRS (@contendrsmedia) August 6, 2026
Many fans still remember that postseason performance and were excited to see him back in the league.
“He’s the only reason the Lakers won that Warriors series a few years back!” one user commented.
He’s the Only reason the Lakers won that Warriors series a few years back!
— Alexa Tsudik (@AlexaRenee189) August 6, 2026
“The Lakers really ruin players. Glad he’s back,” another user wrote.
The lakers real ruin players. Glad he’s back.
— ☔️ (@XploitTheWrld) August 6, 2026
“Glad to see it – his career got derailed after Austin Reaves took his job in LA,” another comment read.
Glad to see it – his career got derailed after Austin Reaves took his job in LA
— Texas Guy (@_Texas__Guy) August 6, 2026
Walker now returns to the NBA for his eighth season. He began his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs after being selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He spent four seasons in San Antonio before later playing for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2023-24 campaign.
