Maccabi Tel Aviv Considers Releasing Guard Lonnie Walker After NBA Opt-Out
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv guard Lonnie Walker, who did not exercise his NBA opt-out clause by the July 16 deadline, will remain with the team for now. However, the club may negotiate his release to free salary space as it continues roster restructuring.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Lonnie Walker did not exercise his NBA opt-out by July 16, remaining with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv may negotiate Walker's release despite no NBA offers.
- Walker earns about $2.2 million per season, making his release financially significant.
- Walker averaged around 15 points per game in both EuroLeague and Israeli Premier League.
- The club is focused on signing a senior center and restructuring its roster.
- Walker joined Maccabi last summer with high expectations but did not meet them fully.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently navigating a pivotal summer in its basketball roster management, focusing on signing a senior center while addressing the status of guard Lonnie Walker. Walker, who joined the team last summer amid high expectations, held an NBA opt-out clause until 10 a.m. Israeli time on July 16, 2026. Since neither the club nor Walker exercised this option, he is set to remain with Maccabi Tel Aviv for the upcoming season.
Despite this, sources within the club indicate that the situation remains unsettled. There is a possibility that both parties might negotiate a mutual release agreement, independent of any NBA offers. This potential departure could free up significant salary cap space, as Walker earns approximately $2.2 million per season.
Statistically, Walker contributed an average of 15.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in the EuroLeague, with similar numbers in the Israeli Premier League, where he averaged 15.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. The club continues to build its roster, and Walker’s exit could be part of broader strategic adjustments.
