Celtics may gift Spurs painfully obvious solution if latest rumors are true

According to The Stein Line, the San Antonio Spurs are interested in signing Luke Kornet in free agency, meaning the Boston Celtics’ financial issues could gift them with the perfect Victor Wembanyama backup option. Boston has been struggling with money this summer, as they are looking to get under the second apron, and retaining Kornet could be difficult.

As a result, the Spurs could have a fairly easy pathway to bringing Kornet on board, depending on his personal priorities. Technically speaking, the Celtics can afford to pay him as much as they want, but since their goal is to stay under the second apron, they don’t actually have much flexibility.

That should leave the door wide open for San Antonio.

Why would Luke Kornet fit with Spurs?

This past season, the Spurs struggled mightily to find consistent backup center minutes behind Wembanyama. They have used a platoon of big men like Sandro Mamukelashvili, Charles Bassey, and others for the past couple of years. Kornet would be an immediate upgrade over those guys.

“To add to another Fischer report from Saturday night: The Clippers have also been described as a team to watch, alongside San Antonio, in the Luke Kornet chase,” Stein wrote.

Kornet emerged as an elite role-player center this past year. He could be the perfect body for the Spurs to deploy when Wembanyama isn’t on the floor.

First and foremost, Kornet has turned himself into one of the better bench rim protectors in the NBA. He’s a great shot-blocker and a constant presence around the rim, highlighted by an electric shot-blocking performance in the second round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks.

In addition, Kornet’s finishing around the rim has been solid for the Celtics. He spaces the floor very well, understanding perfectly how to work the dunk spots in order to open up the court for ball-handlers.

Plus, he’s fully capable ot catching lobs, despite his relatively unimpressive athleticism. At his core, Kornet is simply an extremely solid role player, and for a team like the Spurs, that’s all they really need right now.

Why can’t Celtics re-sign Luke Kornet?

Well, they can. It could just cost them a lot of money. Jay King of The Athletic reported that they are trying to clear up some space to bring Kornet back, but that might involve a trade.

“Looking to continue shedding salary, the Celtics have explored the idea of flipping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract, according to league sources,” King wrote. “In such a move, they would be aiming to accomplish two organizational directives Brad Stevens emphasized after the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday: regaining more roster flexibility and setting up a path to retain free agents Luke Kornet and Al Horford.”