The San Antonio Spurs, who were interested in Kristaps Porzingis before the Celtics traded him to the Atlanta Hawks, could shift their focus 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.
Kornet, who recently had a successful season with the Celtics, is one of the free-agent centers available.
“Another center target, sources say, that rival executives expect San Antonio to pursue: Boston’s Luke Kornet,” Fischer pointed out. “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.”
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According to NBA front office source Bobby Marks, the Spurs will be able to use the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and $5.1 million biannual exceptions.
Kornet was a dependable backup center last season. The 7-foot-1 beanpole proved he’s more than just a meme by averaging 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 66.8% from the field.
He was already a fan favorite in Boston before playing the game of his life in their Game 5 victory over the New York Knicks in the second round, with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots.
Celtics Mull Flips 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 strong candidate for re-trade.
According to league insiders, the Celtics have considered swapping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract in order to continue lowering their payroll. In such a move, they would be attempting to achieve two organizational goals that Brad Stevens underlined during the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday: recovering more roster flexibility and laying the groundwork to retain free agents Luke Kornet and Al Horford,” King said.
The Celtics are currently $15 million more than the luxury tax threshold. Offloading Simons’ $27.7 million expiring salary may free up the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
If they keep Simons, he will complement the Celtics’ 3-point-heavy offense. The 6-foot-3 guard has a lifetime 3-point shooting percentage of 38.1% and averaged 19.3 points last season.
Making Centers a Priority Following Kristaps Porzingis’ Departure
Following the NBA Draft, Celtics president Brad Stevens made it clear what his team’s opinion on centers was.
“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 the press.
Both centers are unrestricted free agents.
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