The NBA offseason is heating up, and the Boston Celtics are at the center of a brewing storm as they navigate roster changes and fierce competition for their key players. One name generating buzz is backup center Luke Kornet, whose gritty performances and unique defensive flair have caught the eye of the San Antonio Spurs, a rising Western Conference squad hungry for talent to complement their generational star, Victor Wembanyama.
Spurs Eye Kornet as a Prime Free-Agent Target
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer in The Stein Line Substack newsletter, the Spurs are poised to make a splash in the free-agent market, with Kornet emerging as a top target. The 7-foot-1 center, known for his quirky yet effective 3-point shot contests—leaping vertically to disrupt shooters with his lanky frame—has proven he’s more than a fan-favorite meme. Last season, Kornet delivered a steady 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 66.8% from the field. His standout performance came in Game 5 of the second round, where he erupted for 10 points, 9 rebounds, and a whopping 7 blocks, etching his name into Celtics lore.
With San Antonio armed with the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and the $5.1 million biannual exception, per NBA front office insider Bobby Marks, the Spurs have the financial firepower to lure Kornet. At 29, having never earned more than $3 million in a season during his eight-year NBA career, Kornet could be on the verge of a lucrative payday. A move to San Antonio would position him as the primary backup to Wembanyama, offering a chance to shine alongside one of the league’s most electrifying young talents.
Celtics Face Tough Choices After Trading Porzingis
The Celtics’ roster is in flux following the trade of Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, a move that has reshaped their frontcourt. With Porzingis gone, retaining Kornet and veteran center Al Horford has become a top priority for Celtics president Brad Stevens. “There’s no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back,” Stevens emphasized after the first round of the NBA Draft. Horford, a cornerstone of the franchise for seven of the last nine seasons, remains a reliable force at 39, averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3% from beyond the arc last season.
However, keeping both centers could prove challenging as Boston grapples with luxury tax constraints. The team is currently $15 million above the luxury tax threshold, prompting discussions about shedding salary to regain roster flexibility.
Anfernee Simons: The Key to Boston’s Financial Puzzle?
One potential solution lies in Anfernee Simons, recently acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland. According to Jay King of The Athletic, the Celtics are exploring the possibility of flipping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract. Offloading his salary could unlock the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, giving Boston the flexibility to re-sign Kornet and Horford while addressing other roster needs.
Simons, a 6-foot-3 sharpshooter with a career 38.1% 3-point stroke and 19.3 points per game last season, fits seamlessly into Boston’s 3-point-heavy offense. Keeping him could bolster the Celtics’ backcourt, but trading him might be the strategic move to secure their frontcourt and maintain financial balance.
Kornet’s Crossroads: Stay in Boston or Join Wembanyama?
For Kornet, the decision is tantalizing. Staying with the Celtics offers continuity with a championship-contending team where he’s carved out a niche as a reliable backup and fan favorite. His chemistry with the roster and ability to step up in big moments make him a valuable asset for a team eyeing another title run. However, a move to San Antonio presents an opportunity for a larger role and a bigger paycheck, backing up Wembanyama in a Spurs system poised for rapid growth.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Boston’s front office and San Antonio’s aggressive pursuit of talent. Will Kornet remain a Celtic, anchoring the paint alongside Horford, or will he head west to join a Spurs squad eager to make waves? One thing is certain: the NBA’s summer shakeup is just getting started, and Luke Kornet’s next move could send ripples across the league.