The 2024 Boston Celtics are a thing of the past.
The iconic franchise won its league-record 18th championship banner in 2024, but just over a year later the title-winning roster looks almost unrecognizable.
It’s a new day in Boston, one that looks completely different from a year agoGettyInjuries, trades, and free agency have left a team that had dynasty potential stripped to its core.
Jayson Tatum? Out for the year with a torn Achilles.
Jrue Holiday? Traded. Kristaps Porzingis? Traded.
Luke Kornet? Gone in free agency.
And while Holiday and Porzingis were speculated to be on the move to get the Celtics under the second apron, there was hope around the organization that they would be able to keep Kornet.
Instead, the Boston big man signed a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, joining superstar Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and number two overall pick in this year’s draft, Dylan Harper.
All of a sudden, San Antonio has the pieces to make a postseason run.
They may not be title contenders just yet, but it’s only a matter of time before Wemby unlocks his true potential and becomes one of the league’s best players.
And now he has legitimate pieces around him for the first time in his young career.
With Kornet’s new contract, he more than triples his career earnings, after having earned $14.2 million in his first seven years in the league.
Kornet was a valuable depth piece to the CelticsGetty It’s only a matter of time before Wembanyama becomes the best player in the worldGetty Kornet is now taking his championship pedigree to San AntonioGettyHe now has $41 million more guaranteed in the bank, bringing his eventual career earnings to $55 million and counting.
Not bad for someone who is viewed as the proverbial bench guy.
Kornet now brings his championship pedigree and experience to a young Spurs squad that is oozing with youth and potential.
Before Kornet’s departure, Celtics president of basketball operations and de facto general manager, Brad Stevens, said that he would hope to keep Kornet along with veteran center Al Horford.
“They’re going to have, I’m sure, plenty of options all over the place, and that’s well-deserved, but I think that would be a priority,” Stevens said.
“At the same time, I don’t want to put pressure on them. It’s their call, ultimately. But, yeah, we would love to have those guys back.”
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Stevens can officially cross Kornet off the list, and hold his breath for Horford’s return.
Once the news of Kornet’s departure and big payday broke, fans couldn’t quite believe it.
“Yeah, I mean he has played well, but that’s still an overpay,” one fan commented on X.
“Just fell to my knees at Walmart,” another joked.
“Wow the Celtics are really melting down,” one more chimed in.
Kornet is coming off the best season of his career, where he averaged 6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1 block over a career-high 18.6 minutes per game.
Nothing spectacular, but one that was deemed worthy by the San Antonio office to reward him with $41 million, as the Celtics lose yet another key piece to their once championship core.
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