The San Antonio Spurs have reached an agreement on a four-year, $41 million contract with free agent center Luke Kornet. The deal strengthens the Spurs’ frontcourt depth behind star center Victor Wembanyama.
Kornet, 29, established himself as a reliable bench contributor during his five seasons with the Boston Celtics, including their 2024 NBA championship run. He averaged six points, 5.3 rebounds, and one block per game last season, while shooting 68% from the field. His unique defensive approach, notably his signature shot-challenging technique, contributed to his increased value.
The Spurs moved quickly to secure Kornet within the early hours of the NBA’s free agency window, utilizing a substantial portion of their mid-level exception. His addition is expected to ease the workload on Wembanyama and provide San Antonio with more flexibility in their frontcourt rotations.
Boston, limited by luxury tax constraints, was unable to match the offer. In response, they addressed the gap by signing another center.
Kornet’s transition from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference marks a significant step in his career. With the Spurs, he moves from a developmental role to a more prominent position, expected to contribute both on and off the court as the team aims to improve its standing in the upcoming NBA season.
