Luke Kornet and Payton Pritchard, Celtics
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Luke Kornet and Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics celebrate after a play against the Washington Wizards.
The Boston Celtics could face a challenger in their bid to bring back backup center Luke Kornet.
The San Antonio Spurs, who had an interest in Kristaps Porzingis before the Celtics shipped him to the Atlanta Hawks, could pivot to Kornet, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, citing league sources.
“Now the Spurs, league sources say, are looming as a prominent landing spot for big men on the free agent market as well,” Fischer wrote on “The Stein Line” Substack newsletter.
One of the free-agent centers available is Kornet, who is coming off a solid season for the Celtics.
“Another center target, sources say, that rival executives expect San Antonio to pursue: Boston’s Luke Kornet,” Fischer wrote. “The Celtics’ 29-year-old big man, who has yet to earn north of $3 million in any single season in his eight-year NBA career, appears to have a real shot to cash out in this summer’s midlevel market. market.”
The Spurs will have access to the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and $5.1 million biannual exceptions, according to NBA front office insider Bobby Marks.
Kornet was a reliable backup center last season. The 7-foot-1 beanpole proved he’s more than just a meme — his awkward yet effective way of contesting a 3-point shot by jumping up vertically as high as he can with his 7-foot-1 wingspan to try obstruct the view of shooters from a distance — as he averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks while shooting 66.8% from the field.
He’s become a fan favorite in Boston even before playing the game of his life in their Game 5 win over the New York Knicks in the second round with a 10-point, 9-rebound, 7-block performance.
Celtics Mull Flipping Anfernee Simons
According to Jay King of The Athletic, Anfernee Simons, the Celtics’ recent acquisition from the Portland Trail Blazers in the Holiday trade, is a prime candidate to be re-traded.
“Looking to continue shedding salary, the Celtics have explored the idea of flipping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract, according to league sources. In such a move, they would be aiming to accomplish two organizational directives Brad Stevens emphasized after the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday: regaining more roster flexibility and setting up a path to retain free agents Luke Kornet and Al Horford,” King wrote.
The Celtics are currently $15 million above the luxury tax threshold. Offloading Simons’ $27.7 million expiring salary could open up the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
If they keep Simons, he fits the Celtics’ 3-point-heavy offense. The 6-foot-3 guard has shot 38.1% from the 3-point line in his career and averaged 19.3 points last season.
Keeping Centers a Priority After Kristaps Porzingis’ Departure
Celtics president Brad Stevens made their position clear when it comes to their centers after the NBA Draft.
“I think the biggest thing is, as you look at the rest of the team and what we’re trying to do, there’s no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back,” Stevens told reporters.
Both centers are unrestricted free agents.
Al Horford
GettyAl Horford of the Boston Celtics celebrates after a play.
Horford has been a long-time pillar of the franchise, spending seven of his last nine seasons in Boston. The 39-year-old center averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3% from the 3-point line.
Kornet will have a larger role if he returns after Porzingis’ departure. But going to San Antonio is not a bad idea either as he could become Victor Wembanyama‘s chief backup.