Besiktas targets Lonnie Walker IV after Denver Nuggets release

Beşiktaş has set its sights on former NBA guard Lonnie Walker IV after Denver Nuggets released the 27-year-old player, Fanatik reported. The Turkish club added the American scorer to its transfer radar as the front office looks to reinforce a roster that has endured a slow start across domestic and continental play.

Denver Nuggets Release and European Pursuit

Lonnie Walker IV hit the open market on Monday following his release from Denver Nuggets, according to coverage by Sporx and Karakartal. Walker joined the NBA franchise during the summer transfer window on a non-guaranteed training camp contract. He struggled to secure consistent minutes during the preseason, logging just 17 minutes across two exhibition matches while recording four points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Following his departure from Denver, Eurohoops sources indicated that Beşiktaş emerged among the primary suitors alongside two other interested clubs.

Extensive NBA and EuroLeague Background

Selected 18th overall by San Antonio Spurs in the 2018 NBA Draft, Walker brings substantial top-tier experience to Istanbul. Over his NBA career, the shooting guard has played for Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. After missing a final roster spot with Boston Celtics, Walker crossed the Atlantic during the 2024–25 season to join Zalgiris Kaunas for his first stint in European basketball, as detailed by Karakartal and Sporx. Following a brief period with Philadelphia 76ers early in 2025, he signed with Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv last season, appearing in 28 matches with averages of 15.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He has logged 47 total appearances in the EuroLeague and recently partnered with agent Misko Raznatovic of BeoBasket.

Roster Reinforcement Amid Slow Domestic Start

Beşiktaş management moved into the active player market to address early-season inconsistencies. The club holds a 2–2 record in EuroLeague competition alongside a 1–2 standing in the Türkiye Sigorta Basketball Super League. With the team seeking an offensive spark and athletic versatility on the perimeter, club officials identified the newly available free agent as a prime candidate to boost rotations across both competitions. No final agreement has been reached yet as negotiations continue.