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Clippers Plan to Ruin Spurs’ Pursuit of 7-Foot-1 Center

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 2:43 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs are increasingly interested in signing Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet once his current deal expires and he becomes a free agent.

Kornet, who stands at 7-foot-1 and weighs 250 pounds, could be a solid addition to the Spurs' frontcourt, which All-Star center Victor Wembanyama leads. However, Kornet will add good contrast to the French center as a more defense- and rebound-focused big man.

But the Spurs' chances of signing Kornet might worsen because the Los Angeles Clippers have started to show interest in the 29-year-old, according to a recent report from basketball writer Marc Stein . The report notes that Los Angeles is looking to pair Kornet with veteran center Ivica Zubac, whom they signed to a three-year $58.6 million contract extension in August 2024.

If the Clippers add Kornet to their frontcourt, it could become one of the league’s best. Meanwhile, the same could be said for the Spurs if they are willing to sign Kornet for the $10 million per year he is looking to receive, according to Celtics beat writer Steve Bulpett.

As the Spurs and Clippers are preparing to make a deal for Kornet, Celtics general manager Brad Stevens thinks his team still has a chance at retaining him because Boston wants to maintain “flexibility” at the center position by re-signing Kornet and veteran Al Horford.

“But I think the biggest thing is, as you look at the rest of the team and what we’re trying to do, there is no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back,” Stevens said during an interview with the The Athletic after Day 1 of the NBA draft on Wednesday.

“Those guys are huge parts of this organization. They’re going to have plenty of options all over the place, and that’s well deserved, but I think that would be the priority.”

Despite the chatter, only time can tell whether Kornet will return to Boston or sign elsewhere during the offseason.

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

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