Maccabi Tel Aviv May Release Loni Walker Despite No NBA Contract Yet

Loni Walker, the scorer for Maccabi Tel Aviv, might soon part ways with the Israeli basketball club even if he does not secure an NBA contract in the near future. Walker holds a guaranteed contract for the upcoming season worth $2.2 million but has been trying in recent weeks to find a team in the NBA. Maccabi Tel Aviv granted him an extension beyond the original contract deadline to find a new team, yet he remains unsigned. Both parties appear reluctant to continue their relationship, and sources indicate that Walker could be released without a new team in exchange for financial compensation.

If Walker departs, Maccabi Tel Aviv plans to recruit a new player for the shooting guard position to fill his role and support head coach Oded Katash's backcourt, mostly retained from last season. Walker ended last season not dressing for the final six playoff games, missing the first game against Hapoel Holon shortly after heightened tensions with Iran in June. The club then opted to rely on David Appiani, Jimmy Clark, and Eifa Lundberg instead. Despite his absence, Walker stayed in Israel and celebrated the championship with the team.

In the previous season, Walker averaged 15.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 28 EuroLeague games, and 15.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 13 Israeli league games. His departure would mark a significant roster change for Maccabi Tel Aviv as they prepare for the next season.