The Boston Celtics are entering a pivotal offseason.
Boston’s roster decisions will be influenced by a hefty luxury tax bill and a desire to maintain financial flexibility.
After a disappointing playoff exit against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the team faces uncertainty with several key players, including one unsung hero whose contributions have been vital to their frontcourt depth.
As the free agency period looms, the Celtics risk losing a player who proved his worth in critical moments this season, potentially reshaping their rotation for the 2025-26 campaign.
According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, “The Celtics are likely to lose backup center Luke Kornet in unrestricted free agency. With Boston’s massive tax bill, and their plans to lower it, Kornet will find interest from contending teams who can offer more annually.”
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This prediction from Sidery points to the financial constraints facing the Celtics, who continue to battle against the NBA’s second apron. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles and free agent Al Horford’s future uncertain at age 39, retaining cost-effective talent becomes even more critical—yet challenging.
This 7-foot-2 center Kornet, who signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal last summer, delivered a career-best performance in 2024-25. Averaging 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 66.8 percent from the field, he appeared in 73 regular-season games and all 11 playoff contests.
His standout Game 5 performance against the Knicks—10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks—helped Boston force a Game 6, earning praise as a “legacy game” from The Athletic.
Kornet’s versatility as a rim protector, screener, and lob threat makes him an ideal backup, but Boston’s cap situation and the emergence of Neemias Queta as a cheaper alternative could see him depart.
Contending teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, seeking a reliable big man, could lure Kornet with a larger role and a contract in the $5-10 million range annually.
Losing Kornet wouldn’t derail Boston’s roster, but his ability to anchor the defense in limited minutes would be missed. As the Celtics weigh trading high-salary players like Kristaps Porzingis or Jrue Holiday, the decision on this fan-favorite big man should not go unnoticed.
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