On Monday night, the Boston Celtics’ frontcourt depth suffered.
After agreeing to a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, center Luke Kornet is departing Boston, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
According to sources who spoke to ESPN, center Luke Kornet, a free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs signed a deal with Kornet’s agent Max Wiepking of Gersh Sports tonight, adding a key frontcourt player.cLnXxWJ2cv pic.twitter.com/
After playing for Boston for five seasons, Kornet has emerged as a vital backup for the Celtics in recent years. Following his role as extra front-court depth during Boston’s 2023–24 title run, Kornet had his finest season to date in 2024–25, averaging 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 18.6 minutes across 73 games.
Kornet took on a more significant role in the playoffs after Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined for the postseason due to a persistent illness. He was particularly impressive in Game 5 against the Knicks, recording 10 points, 9 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in 26 minutes off the bench.
Boston will need to make adjustments after losing a number of players up top this offseason, and the 29-year-old big man will now be a backup option behind Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
In addition to Kornet’s free agency departure, the Celtics earlier this month traded starting center Kristaps Porzingis to a three-team deal in an attempt to avoid luxury taxes, while veteran Al Horford is still a free agent.
Neemias Queta, rookie Amari Williams, and Luka Garza, who inked a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Celtics on Tuesday night, are the only centers on Boston’s roster at the moment.
Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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