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Celtics lose Luke Kornet after center signs 4-year deal with Spurs
The Celtics currently have three centers on the depth chart following Kornet's exit in free agency.
The Boston Celtics’ frontcourt depth took a hit on Monday night.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, center Luke Kornet is leaving Boston after signing a four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
Kornet had spent five seasons with Boston, becoming a key reserve piece for the Celtics over the last few years. After serving as additional depth up front during Boston’s run to a championship in 2023-24, Kornet put together the best season of his career in 2024-25 — with the 7-foot-2 center averaging 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 18.6 minutes over 73 games.
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined due to a lingering illness during the postseason, Kornet stepped up in an elevated role in the playoffs — headlined by a dominant Game 5 performance against the Knicks where he recorded 10 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in 26 minutes off the bench.
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The 29-year-old big man will now serve as a backup option behind Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio — while Boston will have to readjust after losing several pieces up front this offseason.
Beyond Kornet’s exit in free agency, the Celtics also traded away starting center Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team deal earlier this month in search of luxury-tax relief — while veteran Al Horford remains a free agent.
The only centers currently on Boston’s roster are Neemias Queta, rookie Amari Williams, and Luka Garza — who signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Celtics on Tuesday evening.
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