The Boston Celtics are navigating turbulent waters this offseason, with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tendon tear casting a long shadow over the franchise. Much of the conversation has centered on how the team can maneuver under the second luxury tax apron to manage their payroll. However, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens faces equally pressing challenges with key free agents, particularly backup center Luke Kornet, whose value to the team has made him a hot commodity on the open market.
Luke Kornet’s Rising Stock
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Luke Kornet is poised for a “robust” free agency market as he enters unrestricted free agency this summer. Scotto noted on June 16, “Kornet ranks as one of the best players analytically entering free agency… After thoroughly outplaying his current contract, Kornet is expected to earn a substantial pay raise and have a robust market this summer among various teams who have the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to spend.”
Kornet has become an integral part of Boston’s rotation over the past two seasons, evolving into a high-level, non-shooting five-out big man. His ability to space the floor from the weakside slot, facilitate as a creation hub through screening and hand-off actions, and contribute with short-roll playmaking and rim protection has made him indispensable. Replacing his unique skill set would be a daunting task for head coach Joe Mazzulla, whose system relies heavily on Kornet’s versatility. Stevens will need to prioritize re-signing Kornet, as losing him for nothing in free agency could significantly disrupt Boston’s playing style.
Al Horford’s Uncertain Future
Kornet isn’t the only big man whose future with the Celtics hangs in the balance. Veteran center Al Horford, another impending free agent, is also drawing interest from contending teams. Scotto’s report highlighted that “high-level playoff contenders are monitoring Horford to see if he’d leave Boston, with the Celtics expected to take a step back without Tatum next season and in a financial crunch regarding their salary books.”
Horford’s value extends beyond his on-court contributions. As a locker room leader and one of the league’s most reliable performers, he brings stability and experience to a team in transition. However, with Boston’s financial constraints, retaining Horford may prove challenging unless he’s willing to accept a veteran minimum deal. Losing both Horford and Kornet would deal a significant blow to the Celtics’ frontcourt depth and leadership.
Trade Rumors Swirl Around Star Talent
Beyond free agency, the Celtics are bracing for a busy trade market. With the need to cut payroll while building for the future, Stevens is reportedly open to fielding offers for some of Boston’s star players. ESPN’s Shams Charania recently stated, “Are teams making big offers and calling about Jaylen Brown and Derrick White? One hundred percent. The Celtics prefer not to trade them, from my understanding, but listen, if they get a big offer, they have to look at everything.”
Charania added that Boston is likely to receive offers for both Brown and Derrick White, two highly desirable talents, as the draft and free agency approach. The organization will need to weigh these offers carefully, balancing immediate financial relief with long-term competitiveness. While the preference is to retain their core, a blockbuster trade could reshape the roster if the value is deemed too good to pass up.
A Summer of Change for Boston
The Celtics are on the cusp of a transformative offseason. With Tatum sidelined, financial pressures mounting, and key free agents like Kornet and Horford potentially departing, the roster is almost certain to look different when the 2025-26 season begins. Add to that the possibility of trading stars like Jaylen Brown or Derrick White, and it’s clear that Stevens faces a delicate balancing act. Celtics fans will be watching closely, eager to see how these decisions shape the team’s future. For now, the battle to retain Luke Kornet looms as a critical, yet under-the-radar, storyline in Boston’s challenging offseason.