Denver Nuggets Delay Official Signing of Loni Walker Amid Trade Considerations

Five days after reports emerged that Loni Walker had agreed to a one-year, 3.3 million euro contract with the Denver Nuggets, the team has yet to officially announce his signing. Walker, a former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, is expected to participate in the Nuggets' training camp. The initial report by Shams Charania last week indicated the agreement, but Denver Post later clarified the contract is non-guaranteed.

The delay appears linked to the status of Peyton Watson, a restricted free agent attracting interest from Cleveland, Milwaukee, and the Clippers. Watson is likely to be involved in a sign-and-trade deal, which would affect Denver's roster and salary cap. Currently, Denver has 14 guaranteed contracts excluding Walker, who would only count against the cap if his contract is guaranteed and he joins the NBA roster. The Nuggets may be waiting for Watson's trade resolution to ease salary cap constraints before finalizing Walker's signing.

Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv officially parted ways with Walker on August 6, less than 12 hours after Charania's announcement. Even if Walker does not make Denver's final roster or the team opts not to sign him, he will not return to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The situation remains fluid as the NBA preseason approaches.