Lonnie Walker IV's time with the Celtics may be short lived

The Boston Celtics recently signed Lonnie Walker IV to an Exhibit 10 contract. As with all contracts, the deal is non-guaranteed unless he remains on Boston's roster when the new NBA season begins, at which point it converts to a minimum-scale agreement. Brad Stevens can waive Walker until then without receiving a cap hit.

Like most players on Exhibit 10 deals, Walker must prove himself during the Celtics training camp. He could earn Boston's 15th and final roster spot if he impresses. If he doesn't, he could get funneled to the G-League, where another NBA team can sign him at any point.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Walker staying with Boston beyond training camp is unlikely. The veteran wing's limited defense could be a sticking point for Joe Mazzulla, especially since he values versatility on both sides of the court.

"Those sources say the 25-year-old guard will be brought in on an Exhibit 10 contract, which allows Boston to give Walker a bonus if he is waived after training camp and plays for the team’s G League affiliate in Maine," Charania wrote. "I’m told there’s a chance Walker is waived after camp to keep Boston’s 15th roster spot open going into the season."

Walker has played in 322 regular-season NBA games, averaging 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.2% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range. He would undoubtedly give an NBA team a scoring punch off the bench if they're willing to make the trade-off that comes with his current defensive production.

Still, Mazzulla's defensive system is robust. Walker may be better served learning the intricacies of the Celtics system with the Maine Celtics, where Boston isn't incurring additional tax penalties for his spot on the roster.

Teams consistently hand out Exhibit 10 deals without signing a player at the end of training camp. Logic would dictate that Walker could fall into that rather large category. If he does, some time in the G-League may help him find a situation that makes sense for him rather than being buried at the end of the Celtics bench.