Loni Walker Returns to NBA, Signs One-Year Deal with Denver Nuggets

After a summer of searching for an NBA return, Loni Walker, former Maccabi Tel Aviv guard, has finalized a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets worth $3.3 million. Walker held an NBA exit clause in his Maccabi contract valued at $2.2 million net, which expired three weeks ago but was extended by Maccabi to allow him to continue pursuing NBA opportunities. He will now leave Maccabi without financial compensation but with a waiver of his Israeli contract, marking his return to the NBA after a season in Europe.

Maccabi Tel Aviv anticipated Walker's departure and has signed Keaton Wallace, a guard from the Atlanta Hawks, to a two-year deal as his replacement. Wallace, standing 1.90 meters tall and capable of playing both guard positions, is known for his left-handed play and defensive skills. He played two recent seasons with Atlanta, averaging 5.4 points and 2.6 assists in 2024/25 and 3.5 points with 1.8 assists in 2025/26.

Walker was originally drafted 18th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs and has played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. He notably stood out during the 2023 playoffs with key performances, including a memorable game against the Golden State Warriors. Prior to joining Maccabi, Walker spent part of the previous season with Žalgiris Kaunas and Philadelphia 76ers. His contract with Maccabi included a three-year term with an annual NBA exit option, which he has now exercised to return to the league he most wanted to rejoin.