The Boston Celtics have already been forced to trade Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday this summer due to the NBA’s second apron. Heading into NBA free agency, financial restrictions could cost Boston another key player.
Over the weekend, Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reported on Substack that the Celtics are “looking less and less likely” to retain Luke Kornet. The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly eyeing him and might use their full $14.1 million mid-level exception to poach him in NBA free agency.
Related: Boston Celtics could make third big trade
Boston successfully got itself under the second apron this offseason with its two trades. However, as it stands, the team still doesn’t have the financial flexibility to match what the Spurs seem prepared to offer.
Reports have made it clear that the Celtics want to re-sign Kornet. For that to happen, the team would either need to immediately trade Anfernee Simons or move Sam Hauser to another club.
Related: Spurs viewed as ‘team to watch’ for coveted role player
As for San Antonio, teams around the league know the club is focused on adding more frontcourt depth. The Spurs want both a dependable veteran center behind Victor Wembanyama and a power forward who could play alongside him next season.
If Kornet takes the mid-level exception from the Spurs, the team could then reportedly use the bi-annual exception to land the power forward it’s targeting in NBA free agency. The two moves would solidify the frontcourt, providing San Antonio with the depth it needs to be a playoff contender next season.
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NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson