Knicks Linked to Former Lakers, Nets Wing

The New York Knicks could look to sign Lonnie Walker IV in free agency.
Apr 12, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (8) runs up court after a basket in front of New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (8) runs up court after a basket in front of New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Knicks could look to sign someone in free agency with some roster spots still available.

It's been nearly a month since the start of free agency, but there are still some talented players left without a team that the Knicks could welcome to the Big Apple.

According to Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley, one of those players could be former Brooklyn Nets forward Lonnie Walker IV.

"Lonnie Walker IV has more than once appeared en route to a substantial pay raise, but it appears that bump will elude him once again," Buckley writes. "The Knicks should try capitalizing on his seemingly dry market. The chance to hold a prove-it campaign under the bright lights of the Big Apple while simultaneously joining the championship chase could sound awfully inviting."

Walker, 25, is looking for his fourth team in as many seasons after playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Nets. Walker might be more inclined to stay in New York after playing in the city this past season, but this could also be a good move for the Knicks as well as a low-risk, high-reward depth option.

"He is a quick-strike scorer who plays with great energy and jaw-dropping athleticism. His three-point shot comes and goes (35.6 percent for his career), but he's a tough cover when he has it rolling," Buckley writes. "Backcourt backups aren't necessarily a priority at the moment, but Walker's scoring prowess would give him a chance to carve at least a semi-regular role in the rotation."

Walker could be a replacement for Alec Burks, who the Knicks traded for back at February's trade deadline in the Bojan Bogdanovic deal from the Detroit Pistons. Earlier this month, Burks signed with the Heat and have yet to add a veteran wing since the Mikal Bridges trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

Whether or not the Knicks choose to sign Walker won't make or break what happens in their season, but it could be the difference towards winning and losing some games during the regular season that could determine homecourt advantage in the playoffs.

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Jeremy Brener

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.