According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the San Antonio Spurs and LA Clippers are plotting to steal Luke Kornet away from the Boston Celtics in free agency, which would ruin the team’s plans to potentially trade Anfernee Simons in order to have enough money to bring back Kornet and Al Horford, as reported by Jay King of The Athletic.
“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.
“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.”
It seems as though a storm is brewing around Kornet.
Why could Spurs and Clippers ruin Celtics trade plans?
Obviously, the Spurs and Clippers wouldn’t directly get in the way of a Simons trade. At least, probably not. However, one of the main directives the Celtics are chasing in a Simons deal is to open up more money so they can re-sign Kornet and Horford.
If the Spurs or Clippers make Kornet an offer that he can’t turn down, it would spoil the entire purpose of the Celtics looking to trade Simons.
As it stands, Boston’s big man rotation is rough. The only centers they have on the roster are Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and rookie Amari Williams. None of those guys are ready to play big-time minutes next season.
Bringing back Kornet and/or Horford will be essential for Boston this summer, and if they fail to do so, they will be forced to search for scraps in free agency, hoping to find something close to a starting-caliber center.
Why do Spurs and Clippers want Luke Kornet?
Last year, the Spurs struggled to find a consistent answer at the backup center position. Sandor Mamukelashvili gave them decent minutes, but adding Kornet to the roster would give them a perfect center option behind Victor Wembanyama.
The story was similar in LA for the Clippers. After Ivica Zubac in the rotation, they swapped out guys like Kai Jones and Drew Eubanks for most of the year. Kornet would give them a consistent presence.
Kornet’s rim protection, ability to space the floor well in the dunker spot, and battle for rebounds will make him a top target this summer.