Jayson Tatum Had Two Words After Celtics Lose Championship Player

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 7:14 PM ET

The Boston Celtics entered the 2024-25 season with hopes of defending their championship, but they now find themselves rebuilding their roster following a second-round playoff exit and a devastating Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum. What began as a quest to repeat has quickly turned into an offseason of major changes, with Boston moving key pieces to reset for the future.

Already this summer, the Celtics traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in cost-cutting deals, losing two core contributors from their title run. Now, the team has lost a third piece after Luke Kornet departed in free agency, marking the end of his five-year stint in Boston.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania , Kornet agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, bringing closure to a steady run that saw him carve out a valuable role as a reliable bench big. The veteran center was part of the Celtics squad that won the championship in 2024 and provided key depth throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Shortly after news of the deal broke, Tatum took a moment to acknowledge Kornet’s impact, posting two simple words on his Instagram story:

“Much deserved.”

Jayson Tatum congratulates Luke Kornet on his new deal:

“Much deserved”

(Via @jaytatum0 on IG) pic.twitter.com/3XizIu2VZj
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) July 1, 2025

Kornet’s time in Boston included several memorable moments, including a standout playoff performance against the New York Knicks where he put up 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven blocks to help the Celtics force Game 6. Known for his unselfish play and dependable defense, he became a fan favorite and trusted piece off the bench.

His departure leaves the Celtics with a thinner frontcourt rotation at a time when Tatum’s injury already raises questions about the team’s ability to remain competitive.

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

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