5 Celtics whose future is up in the air after winning a title
By Tyler Watts
4. Luke Kornet
Kornet could be back in Boston. The 7’2 big man is an unrestricted free agent and will have to decide what is best for him. The Celtics need a backup big man behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. KP has a lengthy injury history, and Horford just turned 38. Both will miss time next season, and Boston needs a skilled five to play.
If Kornet is willing to accept the minimum, he may return. Boston has his Bird rights and can offer more. Doing so seems unlikely given his limited postseason role in 2024.
Kornet averaged just 10.2 minutes per contest in the playoffs and did not see the floor six times. Does he search for more playing time elsewhere? Is Kornet happy being a third center on a title contender? These are questions only he can answer, and the 28-year-old will likely field offers before making his final decision.
His future is certainly up in the air. There is no guarantee he will return or depart. The 7’2 big man could be headed for a new team or back in Boston. It depends on the offers he receives. Kornet won a championship and found his NBA footing with the Celtics. Will that be enough to keep him on a discount? It is too soon to tell.