The New York Knicks weren’t overly productive during the trade season, but they already possess the pieces necessary to make noise in the postseason.
However, the Knicks could acquire an underrated former Los Angeles Lakers guard to help make Jalen Brunson’s life easier in New York.
“For those asking about potential names the Knicks could target on the buyout market, here are some players who may be waived and could be of interest to New York (Lonnie Walker IV included on the list),” Knicks Centric’s Tommy Beer wrote on X/Twitter Thursday.
“There are quality players that may hit the open market (Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Bojan Bogdanovic, Ben Simmons, Malcolm Brogdon, etc.), but it’s important to note that- because they are over the first apron- the Knicks are prohibited from signing players off of waivers who previously made more than the mid-level exception ($12.9 million).”
After making big-time plays with the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors in the 2023 Western Conference semifinals, many believed Walker was a shoo-in to return to the organization for the 2023-24 season.
In addition to averaging 10.6 points per contest in the six-game series, Walker stole the show for the Lakers in the fourth quarter of Game 4, notching 15 points in the fourth quarter and guiding Los Angeles to a monumental 104-101 home victory.
Walker only poured 4.8 points per game in the Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets.
Still, the consensus was that the Miami product played well enough to earn a new contract after signing a one-year deal with the organization in 2022.
Ultimately, the Lakers let Walker walk during free agency, resulting in the former lottery pick inking a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
Walker joined the Boston Celtics in the 2024 offseason following an average season with the 32-50 Nets but was waived shortly after.
Walker then decided to take his talents overseas, signing with Zalgris Kaunas, who competes in the Lithuanian Basketball League and the EuroLeague, in October.
The Reading, Pennsylvania native averages 13.6 points per contest on 45.2% field goal shooting and 33.1% three-point shooting with the Lithuanian club.
With Walker having an NBA buyout clause in his contract until Feb. 18, the Knicks could pursue the ex-NBA contributor before it’s too late.
As a serviceable long-range shooter with above-the-rim athleticism and the ability to perform under the bright lights, Walker could complement Myles McBride off the bench and provide New York with more offensive firepower outside of the Knicks’ starting five, highlighted by Brunson.
The Knicks should view the 26-year-old pro as a realistic buyout target this season.
More NBA: Lakers could land former Celtics guard via buyout to help Luka Doncic
