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Celtics Face Crucial Luke Kornet Decision This Offseason

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Luke Kornet's future with the Celtics is unclear.

Luke Kornet has been key for the Boston Celtics as a backup center this season. In 18.4 minutes per game, Kornet is averaging 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and .9 blocks while shooting 68 percent from the field. With Kristaps Porziņģis‘ injury history and Al Horford‘s age, Kornet is vital to the Celtics’ bench. However, Kornet is a free agent this summer and given the Celtics’ standing as a second-apron team it will be challenging to retain him. Let’s dive into Kornet’s impact and his future with the team.

Celtics Face Crucial Luke Kornet Decision This Offseason

Kornet’s Impressive Play

While Kornet’s counting stats don’t jump off the page, he is incredibly impactful on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s an efficient lob threat and elite screener. Furthermore, Kornet is an underrated passer who the Celtics often use in short-roll actions. His presence gives the Celtics a source of easy offense and opens up the game for his teammates. As a lob threat and screener, Kornet’s an ideal center next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Notably, he has an elite +14.9 net rating with Tatum and a +11.6 alongside Brown.

Defensively, Kornet is a high-quality rim protector, he posts an excellent rim defensive field goal percentage of 52 which is far better than the league average of 62.4 percent. Kornet also has an impressive overall DFG of 44.5 percent. The 7-foot-2 big man deters shots at the rim and helps the Celtics run a versatile defensive scheme. Kornet is also an active rebounder on both ends of the floor.

Over the past 10 games, Kornet has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. During this stretch, he is averaging 9.7 points, and 7.5 rebounds on 72.6 percent shooting from the field. Kornet’s two-way presence at the rim is invaluable to the Celtics. Impressively, Kornet’s +14.8 net rating is the highest number in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics’ Challenging Cap Situation

While Kornet’s value to the Celtics is immense retaining him will be challenging given the Celtics’ cap constraints. The Celtics have a projected historic $230 million payroll and are well over the second apron, they are facing a $270 million tax penalty. Last offseason Kornet signed a one-year $2.8 million contract to return to the Celtics, however, he’s outplayed his contract and could command a fairly sizable contract on the open market. The Celtics are technically able to pay him above a minimum contract. Nonetheless, it will be challenging, and if a team offers him between $5 and $10 million the Celtics might be forced to let him walk.

Other Moves Will Influence Kornet’s Future

Kornet is a fan favorite and will likely want to return to Boston, he could even be willing to return at somewhat of a discounted price. However, it’s unclear how far this loyalty will go if there’s a significant salary difference. Perhaps the Celtics could offer him a long-term deal with less annual value. Drafting a big man will likely be a priority for the Celtics given Kornet’s and Horford’s uncertain future as well as Porziņģis’ injury problems. Horford’s decision to retire or return will also influence Kornet’s future with the Celtics.

Considering their cap situation some people have speculated the Celtics might have to shed salary, especially Jrue Holiday or Porziņģis this offseason. Sam Hauser to a lesser extent is seen as a likely cap casualty. While a possible Holiday or Porziņģis trade would help Boston financially they still would likely be a second-apron team unless both are traded. Moreover, despite the financial benefits tweaking a championship core is risky and the Celtics have admittedly stated they are committed to this core. If the Celtics make a big trade, especially involving Porziņģis, they will likely retain Kornet. The Celtics will face many difficult decisions this offseason including what to do with Kornet. Ultimately, only time will tell if the Celtics will be able to retain Kornet.

 

Photo credit: © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The post Celtics Face Crucial Luke Kornet Decision This Offseason appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.