Walker has signaled his openness to whatever path makes the most sense for all parties, and is perhaps among the best options the Celtics could use to fill their final open roster

Walker is not the greatest defender, but neither is more than half the NBA. He doesn’t have a reputation as a bad teammate or difficult to coach, yet teams backed off.

Brooklyn Nets' Lonnie Walker IV, center, goes up to shoot as Philadelphia 76ers' Kyle Lowry, left, and Tyrese Maxey, right, watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) AP