As the Boston Celtics face a roster shakeup heading into the 2025-26 season, with Jayson Tatum sidelined by injury and potential trades looming for key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, the team’s frontcourt depth is under scrutiny. If Porzingis is traded, the Celtics will lose a critical big man, making it imperative to retain a reliable option like Luke Kornet.
Kornet, who will be 30 next season, proved his worth down the stretch this year, earning regular minutes in the rotation. His standout performance in Game 5 of the second round against the Knicks—10 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks—helped secure a crucial win, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor.
With both Kornet and Al Horford entering free agency this summer, the Celtics face a tough decision. Letting Horford walk and signing him to a veteran’s minimum deal could be an option, but bringing Kornet back—potentially at $6 million a year for three years—seems the smarter move. Kornet’s stats this season (6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1 block per game) underline his value as a capable backup, and his defensive prowess stands out even more.
Kornet is undeniably the Celtics’ best rim protector. His length and solid footwork make it challenging for opponents to score at the rim consistently. Rivals have noticed, as his defensive presence disrupts their game plans. While three-point shooting isn’t his strength, Kornet has shown he can hit them occasionally—a skill he could refine this summer.
If Porzingis is shipped out, Kornet could step into a larger role, potentially even the starting lineup, giving Boston a chance to test his long-term fit. Retaining him ensures at least one dependable big man returns from this season’s rotation. The stats and impact speak for themselves: Luke Kornet is more valuable to the Celtics than fans might realize, and rivals already know it.