The Boston Celtics are wrapping up the 2024-25 NBA regular season on Sunday against the Hornets. With the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference locked up, the Celtics don't have much to play for until they face either the Hawks or the Magic in the first round of the playoffs.
Even though Game 82 is mostly a meaningless outing for Boston, it may be the last regular season game in a Celtics uniform for a few players.
The Boston Celtics are wrapping up the 2024-25 NBA regular season on Sunday against the Hornets. With the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference locked up, the Celtics don't have much to play for until they face either the Hawks or the Magic in the first round of the playoffs.
Even though Game 82 is mostly a meaningless outing for Boston, it may be the last regular season game in a Celtics uniform for a few players.
One of those players is fan favorite Luke Kornet.
Celtics May Find it Hard to Retain Luke Kornet in the Offseason
Kornet is in the midst of the best season of his career as he has performed admirably off the bench and whenever one of Al Horford or Kristaps Porzingis misses time. In 72 games (15 starts), Kornet is averaging six points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game on 67.2% shooting from the field.
The 29-year-old will likely get more minutes in the postseason this time around after averaging only 10.2 minutes per game in the 2024 Playoffs.
Regardless of what he does in the playoffs, Kornet may have already played himself out of Boston. The veteran center's contract expires after the season, and the Celtics will find it hard to retain him.
Boston is already projected to be the most expensive team ever next season, and they have to re-sign Horford. Kornet may be out of their price range since it makes sense for him to prioritize guaranteed salary over staying in Boston.
With his play, Kornet likely deserves over $5 million per year next season. He has been on minimum contracts throughout his career, and this will be the best chance he will get to cash in on a lucrative, multi-year contract. The Celtics, unfortunately, don't have the financial flexibility or salary structure to afford paying Kornet what he deserves.
Hopefully, Kornet ends his Celtics career with another NBA championship. Seeing where his career goes from here will be a joy to watch for all Celtics fans.
