Free agency in the NBA officially tipped off Monday, June 30, and the San Antonio Spurs wasted no time making moves. Their first splash? Signing 7-foot-1-inch center and NBA champion Luke Kornet, formerly of the Boston Celtics.
The deal, which was finalized in less than 90 minutes, was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kornet’s agent, Max Wiepking of Gersh Sports, worked quickly with the Spurs front office to reach an agreement and bring the 29-year-old veteran to the Alamo City. In five seasons with the Celtics, Kornet averaged 4.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Last season, he appeared in 73 games and started 16, proving to be a steady presence in one of the most competitive rotations in the league.
Off the court, Kornet is known for his goofy, winsome personality and relentless work ethic. On the court, he gives the Spurs what they need: a reliable backup for Victor Wembanyama and a potential second big man in lineups that aim to dominate inside. And Kornet has proven he can produce. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals this year, he put up 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks against the New York Knicks, showing he is capable of impacting big games when called upon.
The Kentucky native had an untraditional path to the NBA. He entered the league as an undrafted player in 2017, signed with the Knicks, then spent time with the Bulls and Cavaliers before settling into a long run with the Celtics, where he became a fan favorite and role player on a championship team.
Now he heads to San Antonio on a four-year, $41 million deal, a well-earned payday for a player who took a pay cut last year in pursuit of back-to-back titles in Boston. This deal reflects both his value and the Spurs’ confidence in what he can bring. Kornet is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged six points, 5.3 rebounds, and one block per game, and posted the Celtics’ best on-court net rating. To put it simply, Boston outscored opponents by 14.9 points per 100 possessions while Kornet was on the floor.
What Kornet also brings to the Spurs is something many fans in San Antonio may not be familiar with — his signature “Korner Kontest.” It is an unusual move. When a player on the perimeter pulls up for a three-pointer, Kornet jumps into the air with his arms fully extended, regardless of how far away he is. The idea is to disrupt the shooter’s vision and rhythm, even from a distance.
Most defenders rise with the shooter, trying to meet them in motion. But Kornet is often under the basket. Running out to contest a perimeter shot would take too long, so he simply leaps in place from wherever he is. It is weird, it is theatrical, and surprisingly, it works. His long limbs can quite literally block the shooter’s view of the rim. With Kornet on board, the Spurs have now addressed two of their biggest offseason needs by improving their three-point shooting through the draft and adding a dependable center to backup Wembanyama when he rests.
With just two more spots to fill, the roster is taking shape. Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant, and now Luke Kornet add size, athleticism, and flexibility to a young core that is growing up quickly. After a few rebuilding seasons, the Spurs are onto something. Do not be surprised when this team takes a serious step forward in the Western Conference this year.