Celtics Could Lose Fan Favorite to Western Conference Contender: Insider

Kornet was a reliable backup center last season. The 7-foot-1 beanpole proved he’s more than just a meme — his awkward yet effective way of contesting a 3-point shot — jumping up vertically as high as he can with his 7-foot-1 wingspan to try obstruct the view of shooters from a distance — as he averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks while shooting 66.8% from the field.

He gave Boston fans the highlight of his career with his 10-point, 9-rebound, 7-block performance in the Celtics’ Game 5 win in the second round.

Celtics Mull Flipping Anfernee Simons

According to Jay King of The Athletic, Anfernee Simons, the Celtics’ recent acquisition from the Portland Trail Blazers in the Holiday trade, is a prime candidate to be re-traded.

“Looking to continue shedding salary, the Celtics have explored the idea of flipping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract, according to league sources. 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,” King wrote.

The Celtics are currently $15 million above the luxury tax threshold. Offloading Simons’ $27.7 million expiring salary could open up the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.

If they keep Simons, he fits the Celtics’ 3-point-heavy offense. The 6-foot-3 guard has shot 38.1% from the 3-point line in his career and averaged 19.3 points last season.

Keeping Centers a Priority After Kristaps Porzingis’ Departure

Celtics president Brad Stevens made their position clear when it comes to their centers after the NBA Draft.

“I think the biggest thing is, as you look at the rest of the team and what we’re trying to do, there’s no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back,” Stevens told reporters.

Both centers are unrestricted free agents.

Horford has been a long-time pillar of the franchise, spending seven of his last nine seasons in Boston. The 39-year-old center averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3% from the 3-point line.

Kornet will have a larger role now that Porzingis is gone if he returns. But going to San Antonio is not a bad idea either as he could become Victor Wembanyama‘s chief backup.