3 Celtics Who Won't Be Back in 2024

Luke Kornet

The 28-year-old big man has turned into a fan favorite over the past couple of seasons, so his departure would almost certainly hurt. If Kornet wants to stay for another season on a minimum deal, the Celtics will surely want to keep him around. He is a great locker room presence and he provides size and depth during the regular-season. Considering Al Horford's age and Kristaps Porzingis' injury history, it makes sense to keep a player like Kornet around.

However, the 7'2 center may have other, more lucrative offers. Kornet, who has exclusively played on minimum salaries throughout his career, could understandably prioritize money over staying in Boston.

Another issue that complicates things for Kornet's future in Boston is the fact that the Celtics traded for Xavier Tillman Sr. mid-season. Tillman also needs a new contract, and considering the fact that they gave up assets to acquire him so recently and that they preferred him over Kornet in Porzingis' absence in the playoffs, the Celtics might prefer to keep Tillman.

With his performance in the regular season for the past two years, Kornet presumably earned a multi-year deal elsewhere. Plus, he could get a role where his minutes are guaranteed. In Boston, he will be behind Horford, Porzingis, and Tillman in the pecking order and might not get the role he desires.

Every Celtics fan would love to keep him around as a deep bench option but it might be better for Kornet to find greener pastures this summer.