Celtics Could Face Fight to Keep Luke Kornet This Summer

Following Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles tendon tear, all the talk surrounding the Boston Celtics has been based on how the franchise can duck under the second luxury tax apron.

However, Brad Stevens also has some tough decisions to make with some impending free agents. Luke Kornet has thrived as Boston’s primary backup center over the past two seasons. However, he is entering unrestricted free agency this summer and could attract interest from elsewhere in the league.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Kornet is expected to have a “robust” free agency market.

“Kornet ranks as one of the best players analytically entering free agency,” Scotto reported on June 16. “…After thoroughly outplaying his current contract, Kornet is expected to earn a substantial pay raise and have a robust market this summer among various teams who have the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to spend.”

Kornet’s impact on Boston’s rotation will be near impossible to replace. He has grown into a high-level non-shooting five-out big man, spacing the floor in the weakside slot, and operating as a creation hub with his screening and hand-off actions. Furthermore, Kornet’s short-roll playmaking and rim protection make him a highly valuable member of the rotation.

Stevens must try to retain Kornet on a new deal, as losing him for free would be a huge blow to Boston and how Mazzulla likes the team to play.

Al Horford Could Also Jump Ship

Al Horford is another big man entering free agency this summer. The same Scotto report revealed that multiple contending-level teams could show interest in the veteran big man.

“Predominantly, high-level playoff contenders are monitoring Horford to see if he’d leave Boston, with the Celtics expected to take a step back without Tatum next season and in a financial crunch regarding their salary books,” Scotto reported.

Horford is more than just a veteran presence on the floor. He’s also a locker room leader and one of the most reliable performers in the league. Nevertheless, the Celtics must make some tough decisions. So, unless Horford is willing to re-sign for the veteran minimum, retaining him could get tricky.

Celtics Likely Fielding Trade Calls on Star Players

Boston could be busy in the trade market this summer. Stevens must find ways to cut the payroll while also building for the near future. ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that Boston is “one hundred percent” fielding calls for some of it’s star talent, too. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are highly desirable talents.

“However, now are teams making big offers and calling about Jaylen Brown and Derrick White? One hundred percent,” Charania said. “The Celtics prefer not to trade them, from my understanding, but listen, if they get a big offer, they have to look at everything. And I think they’re going to get, you know, offers on the three guys that they’re focused on. They’re going to get offers potentially on Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. And I think between now and the draft and free agency, they’re going to evaluate what makes sense from a value perspective.”

The Celtics face a summer of change. The roster will look different by the team next season rolls around. It’s going to be an interesting summer, both in terms of incoming and outgoing talent. Celtics fans will be locked in, waiting to see how much things actually change.