The Boston Celtics’ championship dreams were shattered when their superstar, Jayson Tatum, suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals. With their season on the brink, an unlikely hero emerged to give Celtics fans a fleeting moment of hope. Eight-year veteran backup center Luke Kornet delivered a performance for the ages in Game Five, but now, in a stunning twist, the breakout star may be poised to ditch Boston for a rival championship squad.
Kornet’s Legacy Game: A Career-Defining Moment
In Game Five at TD Garden, the 7-foot-2, 250-pound Kornet stepped into the spotlight. Starting the second half, the 29-year-old dominated with seven blocks, nine rebounds, 10 points, an assist, and a steal in just 26 minutes. His Herculean effort fueled a season-saving 127-102 rout, earning praise as his “legacy game” from The Athletic’s Jared Weiss. For a moment, it seemed Boston might defy the odds.
But the reprieve was short-lived. The Celtics fell in Game Six at Madison Square Garden, ending their title defense. Yet, for Kornet, a free agent whose contract expired with Boston’s playoff exit, that unforgettable performance could translate into a life-changing payday.
From Undrafted to $13 Million Man
Kornet’s journey to this moment is nothing short of remarkable. Undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2017, he signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks and bounced around the league, including stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks. His second tenure with the Celtics, starting in February 2022, saw him contribute to a Finals run. Last season, Boston paid him a modest $2.8 million, but his standout playoff showing and steady bench play have set him up for a massive raise.
According to Heavy’s Steve Bulpett, citing a front office source, Kornet could command a three-year, $39 million contract—$13 million annually—thanks to the NBA’s Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (TMLE). This provision allows cap-strapped teams to sign one player at a set salary, and Kornet’s market is heating up.
Will Boston Pay Up?
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens called retaining Kornet a “priority” on Wednesday, but the team faces a financial crunch. With massive repeater taxes looming and Tatum likely sidelined for the season, shelling out a $10 million raise for a backup center is no small decision. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus predicts Boston may balk, opening the door for a jaw-dropping move.
Denver’s Tempting Offer: A Betrayal in the Making?
In a stunning twist, Pincus projects that Kornet will leave Boston to join the Denver Nuggets, the 2023 NBA champions. The Nuggets, who claimed their first title since joining the NBA in 1976, are reportedly eyeing Kornet as a high-impact backup for superstar Nikola Jokić. “Kornet may not be a starter, but he’s shown he’s a viable rotation center who can provide a defensive presence,” Pincus wrote. “Could Denver seek a better backup to Jokić with the TMLE?”
The thought of Kornet donning a Nuggets jersey is a bitter pill for Celtics fans. His departure would sting not just for his on-court contributions but for the emotional weight of seeing a playoff hero join a rival contender.
Horford Stays, But Can Boston Compete?
Meanwhile, Pincus predicts that Boston’s other free agent big man, 39-year-old Al Horford, will stay with the Celtics at a discounted $7-8 million salary. The 18-year veteran, who earned $9.75 million last season, remains a steady presence. However, without Tatum, Pincus notes that Boston may struggle to contend for a title, even if they remain competitive in the East.
Kornet’s Crossroads
As Luke Kornet stands at a career crossroads, his Game Five heroics have cemented his value in the NBA. Whether he stays with the Celtics or bolts for Denver, his $13 million price tag reflects a remarkable rise from undrafted obscurity to playoff stardom. For Celtics fans, the hope is that their unlikely hero remains loyal—but the allure of a championship contender like the Nuggets may prove too strong.