Celtics Rumors: Boston Expected To Lose Beloved Big Man In Free Agency

The Boston Celtics are set to undergo some serious changes this offseason. One guy who could be on the move is big man Luke Kornet.

Over the past few seasons, Kornet has developed into a success story off the bench. After arriving in Boston as a reclamation project in 2022, Kornet turned himself into a key piece of Joe Mazzulla’s rotation the past two years.

The 2024-25 campaign was easily the best of Kornet’s career, as he averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 66.8% from the field. Even with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford ahead of him on the depth chart, Kornet earned a career-high 18.6 minutes per game.

The 7-foot-2 big man’s improved play has certainly not gone unnoticed, and he appears to be hitting the open market at the perfect time. According to a recent report, Boston is reportedly bracing for Kornet’s departure, as he’s set to hit free agency this offseason.

“The Celtics are likely to lose backup center Luke Kornet in unrestricted free agency,” Evan Sidery of Forbes reported. “With Boston’s massive tax bill, and their plans to lower it, Kornet will find interest from contending teams who can offer more annually.”

With the second apron of the NBA’s salary cap looming, the C’s front office is going to be intent on cutting costs this offseason, and that could result Kornet signing elsewhere. While they may make an effort to keep him, there are several teams across the league that will be able to offer more than what the Celtics can give him.

After making $2 million last season, Kornet seems set to earn a nice raise this offseason. His ability to operate as a vertical threat in the paint on both ends of the floor makes him an ideal player to come off the bench and give opposing teams a different look to deal with.

Considering how Horford is also set to hit the open market and Porzingis could be traded, that would make the loss of Kornet an even tougher pill to swallow. Unfortunately, the NBA’s new salary cap was designed to force tough decisions like this one, and it looks like Kornet’s time with the team may be over.