Center Luke Kornet has agreed to a four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs, marking a significant acquisition for the team as NBA free agency commenced. The deal, first reported on Monday, poaches the veteran big man from the Boston Celtics.
Kornet, who spent the last two and a half seasons with the Celtics, is expected to fill a crucial role as the primary backup to rising star Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs have been actively seeking to bolster their frontcourt depth, and the signing of Kornet directly addresses that need.
In the 2024-25 season with the Celtics, the 7-foot-2 center was a key rotational piece, averaging 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 18.6 minutes per game across 73 appearances. His departure leaves a notable vacancy in the Celtics' frontcourt rotation. Reports indicated that while Boston had an interest in re-signing Kornet, the offer from San Antonio proved to be a compelling one for the eight-year veteran.
The move is seen as a strategic step for the Spurs in building a competitive roster around Wembanyama, providing valuable experience and size off the bench. Kornet's presence will be aimed at ensuring a solid interior presence even when the French phenom is not on the court.
