The Philadelphia 76ers have declined Lonnie Walker IV’s team option for the 2025–26 NBA season, ending the veteran guard’s time with the team after just 20 games. The decision, first reported on June 29, 2025, by ESPN’s Shams Charania, was confirmed by multiple outlets, including NBC Sports Philadelphia. Walker’s option was worth $2,940,876, and with it now declined, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
The Philadelphia 76ers are declining guard Lonnie Walker IV’s team option worth $2.9 million, making him a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Walker averaged 12.3 points, 23.8 minutes and 35.4% 3-point shooting in 20 games for the 76ers last season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
Walker, 26, joined the Sixers in late February after a stint with Zalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League. At the time, Philadelphia was dealing with injuries and roster changes, and Walker stepped in right away. Over the course of 20 games, including seven starts, Walker averaged 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 23.8 minutes per game. He shot 42 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from three-point range, and 80 percent from the free-throw line.
He was briefly sidelined by a concussion sustained in mid-March but returned to finish the season. In Philadelphia’s final regular-season game against the Chicago Bulls, Walker matched his career high with a 31-point performance. His ability to score and space the floor added depth to the Sixers’ rotation during a stretch when the team was dealing with injuries.
A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Walker described his signing with the Sixers as humbling and expressed appreciation for the chance to play close to home. He reflected on the opportunity as significant for both personal and professional reasons.
Despite his contributions, the Sixers chose not to commit to the $2.9 million salary tied to his team option. The move creates additional salary cap flexibility as the team prepares for the opening of the NBA free agency period on June 30. Philadelphia has several roster decisions ahead, including potential efforts to re-sign Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele, both of whom are considered valuable targets in free agency.
The Sixers had recently declined the team option for another guard, Jared Butler, showing they’re clearly in the middle of reshaping their roster. With the addition of third-overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe and second-round pick Johni Broome, the Sixers’ backcourt and wing rotation continues to grow more crowded. Edgecombe and Broome join a roster that already includes Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and rookie Jared McCain.
Should Grimes be brought back, the team would have a substantial group of guards and wings, and removing Walker’s contract gives Philadelphia additional space to make moves. The decision also simplifies the rotation for head coach Nick Nurse heading into training camp, reducing the number of players vying for minutes in a crowded backcourt.
Though the Sixers are not obligated to bring Walker back, there is no formal indication that a return on a different deal is off the table. However, there is also no confirmation that discussions for a lower-salary return are underway. Declining the team option does not automatically end the relationship, but it does free up over $2.9 million in cap space and gives the front office added financial flexibility. The extra room could prove especially useful as the team looks to re-sign key free agents or pursue new additions in the upcoming market.
