The San Antonio Spurs made a shrewd move that not many people are discussing.
The San Antonio Spurs have one of the most talent-laden young rosters in baseball, ranging from Victor Wembanyama to Stephon Castle to rookie Dylan Harper. But they also made a rather compelling veteran addition this offseason: Luke Kornet.
The Spurs signed Kornet to a four-year, $41 million contract in free agency, bringing in some valuable depth behind Wembanyama up front. However, not many people — outside of the Boston Celtics fans who adored Kornet — are talking about it.
John Hollinger of The Athletic, however, has taken notice, listing San Antonio's acquisition of Kornet as one of the most underrated moves of the summer, particularly from a financial perspective.
Luke Kornet during his time with the Boston Celtics. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images."Kornet isn’t breaking the bank in the present, but the real gem of the deal is all the future flexibility it allows," Hollinger wrote. "For starters, the money descends year-to-year over the four-year deal to $9.35 million over the final season in 2028-29. Thus, as the rest of the young Spurs roster likely becomes more expensive, Kornet becomes less so. Second, the final two years are only partially guaranteed at $2.55 million apiece (with the final year also including a team option). Hence, the Spurs’ worst-case scenario beyond this season is an exposure of just $13 million."
Hollinger added that Kornet has already proven he can provide utility in a niche role, as he helped the Celtics win a championship two years ago.
"Regardless of where he’s being paid, Kornet doesn’t need to provide starter-level value; he has to be a plus rotation player, which he’s already proved he can do," Hollinger wrote. "Solid work all around."
Kornet played in 73 games and made 16 starts in Boston last season, averaging six points, 5.3 rebounds and one block over 18.6 minutes per game while shooting 66.8 percent from the floor.
The 30-year-old is now on his sixth team since entering the league as an undrafted free agent back in 2017. He owns career averages of 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds on 53.6 percent shooting. Early in his career, Kornet even shot the 3-ball well, but shoulder injuries have stopped him from being a legitimate perimeter threat.