Luke Kornet, the 29-year-old big man who recently signed a four-year, $41 million contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs, had spent at least part of each season with the Boston Celtics since 2021. The decision to leave was not easy for him.
After developing his game in Maine, where he played for the Celtics' G League affiliate, Kornet eventually worked his way into a regular rotation spot with the Celtics. In just 29 games this season, however, he has already reached a career-high in starts and is averaging 24.9 minutes per game – also a career-best.
Kornet's decision to join the Spurs was largely driven by financial considerations. The new contract offered him a substantial raise over what he was making with the Celtics. But despite that, he said it was not an easy decision to leave Boston.
"It was kind of between here and Boston," Kornet explained. "I feel like after a lot of conversations with my wife and just feeling like, honestly, a lot of prayer and realization of where we are in life." He added that the thought of leaving behind relationships he had built with his teammates and coaches weighed heavily on him.
Kornet's departure has been noted by those around him. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla spoke fondly of time spent with Kornet off the court, including their regular church attendance on the road. Derrick White, a teammate of Kornet's in Boston, praised the big man as an "unbelievable person" who was always willing to do whatever it took to help his team win.
Despite the challenges of leaving behind a familiar environment, Kornet said he is excited about the new chapter ahead with the Spurs. Coach Mitch Johnson noted that Kornet's role would be expanded in San Antonio, where Victor Wembanyama – another young big man – is expected to play a key role down low.
Kornet acknowledged that his time with the Celtics was special, but said he had never imagined it would lead him to this point. When asked about what helped shape his career in Maine, Kornet credited hard work and perseverance. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing at an elite level, saying only, "I'm just thankful to be playing each year."
After developing his game in Maine, where he played for the Celtics' G League affiliate, Kornet eventually worked his way into a regular rotation spot with the Celtics. In just 29 games this season, however, he has already reached a career-high in starts and is averaging 24.9 minutes per game – also a career-best.
Kornet's decision to join the Spurs was largely driven by financial considerations. The new contract offered him a substantial raise over what he was making with the Celtics. But despite that, he said it was not an easy decision to leave Boston.
"It was kind of between here and Boston," Kornet explained. "I feel like after a lot of conversations with my wife and just feeling like, honestly, a lot of prayer and realization of where we are in life." He added that the thought of leaving behind relationships he had built with his teammates and coaches weighed heavily on him.
Kornet's departure has been noted by those around him. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla spoke fondly of time spent with Kornet off the court, including their regular church attendance on the road. Derrick White, a teammate of Kornet's in Boston, praised the big man as an "unbelievable person" who was always willing to do whatever it took to help his team win.
Despite the challenges of leaving behind a familiar environment, Kornet said he is excited about the new chapter ahead with the Spurs. Coach Mitch Johnson noted that Kornet's role would be expanded in San Antonio, where Victor Wembanyama – another young big man – is expected to play a key role down low.
Kornet acknowledged that his time with the Celtics was special, but said he had never imagined it would lead him to this point. When asked about what helped shape his career in Maine, Kornet credited hard work and perseverance. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing at an elite level, saying only, "I'm just thankful to be playing each year."
I don't get why he's leaving Boston 
. He was already making a decent living with the Celtics and then the Spurs offered him way more money? 
It's like they want him to be happy and all but financially, it doesn't seem like the Spurs are giving him much of an advantage 
. I get that he wants financial stability for his life and stuff, but can't he just take a pay cut or negotiate something else? 
. Can't say I blame him, more money means more freedom 
. He's one of the lucky ones who gets to play at this level, so let's see how he handles it 
.
. But at the same time, a new contract with more money can be tempting 
. Still, it's gonna take some getting used to seeing him in a Spurs jersey 
. On the bright side, he gets to play alongside Victor Wembanyama and have a bigger role on the team 
. Fingers crossed Kornet is happy with his decision 
. I mean, $41 million is some serious cash, but it's crazy how much you gotta consider when making those financial decisions 
.
. And Coach Mazzulla seems like a cool dude too 
. I just hope Kornet can make the most of this new opportunity with the Spurs 
he's had it tough leaving Boston Celtics 
but on the flip side, the Spurs are giving him a huge pay rise 
I mean who wouldn't want to play in San Antonio with Victor Wembanyama right? 
, gotta respect the guy's hustle though! $41 million is no joke 
. The Spurs are giving him a chance to shine with Victor Wembanyama on board, that's a big opportunity 
. Kornet was all about hard work and perseverance in Maine, hope that continues to drive him forward 
. It's not gonna be easy leaving behind the Celtics family, but new chapter, who dis?
.
anyway kornet makes good move leaving celts he get more money but also have to deal with new team and coach i feel bad for him cuz he had some good times with celtics esp in maine where he develop his game now its spurs time to shine wembanyama is gonna be interesting to see how it all plays out
. For Kornet, it was Boston and San Antonio 
. He chose the Spurs for the $$$ 
. It's like when you gotta say goodbye to a close friend 
. The Spurs got a solid big man and he's gonna be a key player 
. And hey, who knows, maybe Victor Wembanyama 
.
!
Coach Mitch Johnson making sure Kornet's role is expanded too, that's a win-win for both Kornet and the team. The fact that Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla spoke fondly of them having church attendance on the road, shows how close they were off-court too... those are the kind of relationships you don't wanna lose 
But seriously, it's not easy leaving behind a team you've built relationships with. I feel bad for him and his wife, having to make tough decisions like this.
.
. With Wembanyama coming in, it's gonna be interesting to see how their chemistry plays out 
. I can imagine how hard it is to leave behind friends and fam 
who just wants to do what's best for himself & his family. Good luck with the Spurs, Luke!