Once Kristaps Porzingis began to miss extended time due to a “post-viral syndrome,” Luke Kornet became the Boston Celtics' first center off the bench and was pivotal during the team's playoff run. Kornet set career highs in minutes per game (18.6), rebounds per game (5.3), and games played (73) during the regular season. But his defining moment came in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, when he became the first player in NBA history to score 10 points on perfect shooting (5-for-5), with nine rebounds and seven blocks in a playoff game.
Now entering unrestricted free agency, Kornet may have earned himself a significant raise from the one-year, $2.8 million extension he signed last offseason. Unfortunately, this could mean the end of Luke’s time in Celtic green. With the Celtics projected to be $20 million over the second luxury tax apron next season, cost-cutting is inevitable.
Celtics Have to Let Luke Kornet Walk in FA & Replace Him at the Draft
The most cost-effective way for the team to replace Kornet would be to spend one of its two draft picks (#28 or #32) on a center. Per Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston, one potential target for the team is Ryan Kalkbrenner out of Creighton.
Last season, the seven-footer averaged 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, while converting 34.2% of his three-point attempts. He can also protect the paint, averaging 2.7 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the paint would fit well in Joe Mazzulla’s system.
As currently situated, the Boston Celtics are committed to $228 million in contracts, and that is not including decisions on free agents Luke Kornet or veteran Al Horford. With youth, athleticism, and financial control becoming priorities, Luke Kornet’s breakout year might lead him to a well-deserved contract, just not in Boston.