Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Loni Walker Returns to NBA, Signs with Denver Nuggets

Loni Walker, the American guard who was a key player for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season, has officially left the Israeli champions to sign a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets worth $3.3 million. The 27-year-old will join forces with NBA star Nikola Jokic in the upcoming season. Walker had a three-year contract with Maccabi valued at $2.2 million net per season, including an NBA exit clause that expired three weeks ago. However, Maccabi extended this clause as a goodwill gesture, allowing Walker to pursue his dream of returning to the NBA without demanding financial compensation. This move also frees up a significant budget for the Israeli club.

Walker was one of the standout players in the EuroLeague last season, averaging 15.2 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He was originally drafted 18th overall in 2018 by the San Antonio Spurs and has previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. After a brief stint with Zalgiris Kaunas and a successful season with Maccabi, he is now returning to the NBA through a direct route.

Maccabi Tel Aviv had anticipated Walker’s departure and secured a replacement in advance. Keaton Wallace, a 27-year-old guard who played 53 games for the Atlanta Hawks last season, has signed a two-year deal with Maccabi worth approximately $1.2 million per season. Wallace, known for his defensive toughness and versatile backcourt skills, will fill Walker’s role. This signing complements other summer acquisitions by coach Oded Katash, including Yam Madar, Bonzi Colson, Daniel Theis, Armando Bacot, Iffe Lundberg, and Jimmy Clark, solidifying Maccabi’s backcourt lineup for the 2026/27 EuroLeague and Israeli Premier League campaigns.