Denver brings back Walker IV to NBA on one-year deal

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After a failed bid to lure LeBron James, the Denver Nuggets redirected their focus to addressing their scoring woes by signing microwave offensive machine Lonnie Walker IV to a deal.

According to veteran NBA insider Shams Charania, Walker IV accepted a one-year, USD 3.3 million contract and will immediately suit up for the Nuggets once the 2026-27 NBA season kicks off this October.

Walker IV last played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague, averaging 15.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Before joining the James sweepstakes, the Nuggets publicly announced their dire need for a scoring threat after Tim Hardaway Jr., one of the team’s reliable 3-point shooters, left to join the Miami Heat.

Even the formidable duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray couldn’t carry the Nuggets in the playoffs last season, as the banged-up Minnesota Timberwolves managed to pull off an upset without Anthony Edwards in the last two games.

Their first-round loss to Minnesota was clear evidence that they needed another reliable scorer, as the one-two punch of Jokic and Murray could not propel Denver to a series win despite averaging a combined 60 points over six games.

With Walker IV’s addition, the Nuggets have added a proven scorer, whether he starts or comes off the bench for head coach David Adelman.

Walker IV first showed glimpses of his offensive bag during his third year with the San Antonio Spurs, when he increased his scoring average from 6.4 points to 11.2 points per game in the 2019-20 season.

After spending his first four years in San Antonio, Walker IV joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2022-23 season, when he averaged 11.7 points per game.

The spitfire guard later played for the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers and spent time with the Boston Celtics before being waived.

In addition to Walker IV’s arrival, Denver is also setting its sights on DeMar DeRozan, who has yet to find a new home after leaving the Sacramento Kings.

During his final season in Sacramento, DeRozan still posted strong numbers, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game.