Nov 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

NBA World Comments On Boston Celtics Losing Key Player

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 10:09 PM ET

Luke Kornet established himself as one of the most important players on the Boston Celtics over the last two seasons.

He finished this past year with averages of 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 66.8% from the field in 73 games.

On Monday evening, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Kornet is leaving the Celtics to sign a deal with the San Antonio Spurs.

Via Charania: "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."

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

Many people reacted to the news on social media.

Trevor Hass: "End of an era. Luke Kornet is a heck of a basketball player. I think people started to truly realize just how great he is at the end of his time with the Celtics. A goofball, a glue guy and a gem of a human. He’ll be missed."

Chris Forsberg: "Luke Kornet going from undrafted and toiling in the G-League, to NBA champion and basically a Boston legend, to now earning a $41 million deal is such a great story.

The Celtics will miss him dearly on the court. Our notebooks and cameras will miss him even more."

Craig Luschenat: "Been an unbelievable 4 years together. Going to be missed, but very well deserved!!"

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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