In a bold move to bolster their frontcourt, the Boston Celtics have inked a two-year, $5.5 million deal with 6-foot-10 center Luka Garza, signaling a new chapter for the team as they bid farewell to Luke Kornet, who is headed to the San Antonio Spurs. This strategic signing brings fresh depth and untapped potential to a Celtics roster hungry for size and dominance in the paint.
Garza, a 26-year-old big man from Washington, D.C., steps into Boston’s system as a promising replacement for Kornet, offering both height and a tantalizing glimpse of what he could become under the right guidance. After the Minnesota Timberwolves declined his $2.35 million team option earlier this month, Garza became a free agent, and the Celtics wasted no time securing a player whose physicality and skill set could prove to be a game-changer.
Drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the No. 22 pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft, Garza’s rookie season showcased his potential, averaging 5.8 points per game on 45 percent shooting across 32 appearances. With 12.2 minutes per game, it remains the most court time he’s seen in his young career. After moving to the Timberwolves for the 2022-23 season, Garza upped his efficiency, posting 6.5 points per game on an impressive 54 percent from the field in 28 games.
Free agent center Luka Garza has agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. The Celtics negotiated the new deal with Garza’s representatives Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports tonight. pic.twitter.com/d5x5HzGYIL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
However, his playing time dwindled in recent seasons. The 2023-24 campaign saw him log just 4.9 minutes per game across 25 appearances, averaging 4.0 points. This past season, he appeared in 39 games but averaged only 5.6 minutes and 3.5 points per contest. Despite the limited minutes, Garza’s efficiency shone through in his final 10 games, where he shot a scorching 58 percent from the field, albeit in just 3.8 minutes per game.
While Garza’s sample size is small, his size, hustle, and flashes of brilliance suggest he’s ready to break out. For a Celtics team craving height and interior presence, Garza could be the missing piece to complement their championship-caliber roster. His ability to stretch the floor and battle in the post aligns perfectly with Boston’s versatile system, and at 26, he’s still young enough to carve out a significant role.
As the Celtics look to defend their title, Garza’s arrival marks an exciting opportunity to unleash a hidden gem. With the right minutes and coaching, this $5.5 million investment could erase Kornet’s legacy and cement Garza as Boston’s secret weapon in the paint. Watch out, NBA—the big man is ready to make his mark in green.