The Boston Celtics had several key pieces from their most recent championship run shipped out of town this summer. Financial constraints and Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury changed the outlook of the 2025-26 campaign.
While the Celtics were able to recoup some assets in return for the veterans they managed to trade away, others were allowed to just walk as free agents. One of those players was quick to sign a long-term deal with a new team, but the opportunity he may have there doesn't look the same as it did when he agreed to the contract.
Kornet is Destined to Disappoint Spurs After Signing $40 Million Deal
The San Antonio Spurs signed Luke Kornet to a four-year, $40.7 million contract this summer. At the time, Kornet was viewed as the most likely candidate to serve as Victor Wembanyama's primary backup. While that may ultimately still be the case, there is plenty more competition for that spot now than there was just a handful of weeks ago.
With the addition of veteran forward/center Kelly Olynyk to the roster following a trade with the Washington Wizards, there are no guarantees that Kornet will be No. 2 on the depth chart behind San Antonio's generational talent in the middle.
The former Gonzaga Bulldogs standout has been a rotation player for every organization he has been part of and is expected to carry a similar role with the Spurs. He has far more playoff experience than Kornet and has served as a starter at different times over his career. These are both things that Kornet cannot match with his resume as a player.
Even with Gregg Popovich moving from the sidelines to the front office on a full-time basis, the deciding factor regarding how playing time will be distributed in San Antonio will continue to be merit-based.
Given that only $24 million of the $40.7 million Kornet signed for is guaranteed money, he would be best served to get off to a strong start in San Antonio, as the Spurs are only going to be so patient with the players they place around their rising superstar in the middle.
If Kornet fails to do that, Olynyk could be breathing down his neck for playing time much sooner than the former Vanderbilt University star would have hoped.