Lonnie Walker IV, recently released by the Philadelphia 76ers after they declined his $2.9 million team option for the 2025-26 season, has entered free agency as reported by Shams Charnia.
Buzz Sport sources report that Real Madrid has emerged as a leading contender to sign the 26-year-old guard. His departure from the City of Brotherly Love, marks the end of a brief but impactful stint, leaving Walker to weigh his next career move as the NBA and European markets heat up.
Standout Performances and Recent Move
Walker made a notable return to the NBA after joining the 76ers from Zalgiris Kaunas in late February 2025, where he averaged an impressive 12.4 points on 42% field goal shooting across 23 games. His prior NBA experience, spanning teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets, combined with his recent EuroLeague stint with Kaunas—where he showcased his scoring prowess—positions him as a versatile asset. This dual-league experience adds significant value as he considers his options.
Real Madrid’s Backcourt Reinforcment
Real Madrid is actively rebuilding its backcourt following Dzanan Musa’s departure to Dubai BC (story) and the anticipated exit of Xavier Rathan-Mayes after a disappointing season. The club has already secured Theo Maledon (story) and David Krämer (story), with Krämer, a shooting guard like Walker, set to replace Rathan-Mayes.
Real Madrid is prepared to offer Walker a lucrative €2 million net salary per season—exceeding the $1.7 million net he would have earned with the 76ers—aiming to strengthen their roster for the EuroLeague and ACB challenges ahead with their new head coach Sergio Scariolo (story), leveraging Walker’s scoring ability and international adaptability.
Walker’s Dilemma
His stated priority to remain in the NBA introduces uncertainty. His EuroLeague experience with Kaunas, where he thrived before triggering an NBA release clause, suggests he could seamlessly transition back to Europe if no NBA offer materializes.
Posted on: 3 July 2025, 17:51 CET
