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Celtics lose fan favorite in free agency

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 8:59 AM ET

The Boston Celtics’ cost-cutting measures led to another roster casualty at the start of NBA free agency.

Beloved Celtics backup Luke Kornet is signing a long-term contract with the San Antonio Spurs. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the deal is worth $41 million over four years.

Free agent center Luke Kornet has agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell ESPN. Key frontcourt addition for the Spurs, who negotiated a contract tonight with Kornet's agent Max Wiepking of Gersh Sports. pic.twitter.com/cLnXxWJ2cv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Kornet played five seasons in Boston. The 7’2″ center averaged 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks across 235 games in a Celtics uniform.

While his numbers were relatively ho-hum, Kornet turned into a fan favorite during his time in Beantown. He became a viral sensation for his unorthodox defensive tactic of covering the rim when an opponent takes a long-range shot. Instead of closing out on a three-point shooter, Kornet would jump straight up while standing in the paint. It got so popular that even Kristaps Porzingis later adopted the move.

Kornet was a serviceable third-string big man behind Porzingis and Al Horford. The Celtics went 12-4 in the 16 games Kornet started last season. He averaged 10.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks as a starter.

Kornet joins a frontcourt that revolves around superstar center Victor Wembanyama. Once Wemby starts implementing the Kornet closeout using his 8-foot wingspan, it may be over for the rest of the league.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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