The Denver Nuggets have officially added veteran shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV on a non-guaranteed training camp contract. The 27-year-old, a former first-round pick, gets another NBA opportunity as the Nuggets build their roster for the 2026-27 season. This news arrives while the team is in excellent form, having just secured a 128-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, 2026, extending their winning run to five games.
Walker's deal with Denver is not guaranteed. According to NBA salary expert Keith Smith, it's a training camp contract. This means Walker will need to earn his spot on the regular season roster during the preseason. If he doesn't make the final cut, he could become a free agent once more. The Nuggets announced the signing as official on September 10.
This structure gives the team flexibility. It allows them to evaluate Walker's fit without a long-term financial commitment. For the player, it's a chance to prove he still belongs in the league. He'll be competing for a role on a team that's currently rolling, with a perfect 5W-0L record in its last five contests.
Lonnie Walker entered the league in 2018 as the 18th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He spent four seasons there, primarily as a key bench scorer. In 2022, he signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in 56 games. His journey then took him to the Brooklyn Nets for the 2023-24 season.
Walker's path grew less stable after that. A brief stint with the Boston Celtics ended with a preseason cut. He then played overseas in Lithuania before returning to the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. Unable to secure a lasting spot, he spent the 2025-26 season with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. The Nuggets now represent his latest attempt to restart his NBA career.
Walker is part of a series of calculated moves by Denver's front office. The team also signed veteran big man Marvin Bagley III and multi-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan. Another addition is Alpha Diallo, who, like Walker, is coming from an overseas club. These signings indicate a strategy of blending established NBA talent with players seeking redemption.
The Nuggets' offseason has been relatively quiet but targeted. They are reinforcing their depth around a core that just dominated the San Antonio Spurs 128-118. Adding scoring punch on the perimeter with Walker and DeRozan could be vital for a deep playoff push.
Walker's arrival creates competition for backcourt minutes. His non-guaranteed status means nothing is promised. He must outperform other contenders in training camp and preseason games. His ability to score and provide energy off the bench will be under the microscope.
If he impresses, Walker could secure the final roster spot. If not, his preseason performance might still attract interest from other teams. The Nuggets benefit either way. They get a low-risk look at a player with first-round pedigree and athleticism. This move aligns with a team confidently adding pieces, fresh off a 127-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 11.
The team's recent results, including a 136-119 win against Memphis, show a potent offense. Walker's job is to prove he can contribute to that without disrupting chemistry. Head coach David Adelman will have the final say on whether Walker's shot-making earns him a uniform for the regular season.
