Luke Kornet Signs 4-Year, $41M Deal with Spurs

🏀 Luke Kornet Spurs Deal: San Antonio Adds Depth with 4-Year, $41M Signing

🔁 Spurs Move Quickly in Free Agency to Secure Kornet

The Luke Kornet Spurs deal was struck just 90 minutes into the NBA’s free agency window, as San Antonio agreed to a four-year, $41 million contract with the 7-foot-2 center, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Kornet joins the Spurs after his most impactful season with the Boston Celtics, where his defense, efficient scoring, and ability to fit into team systems made him a quietly valuable asset.

🔎 Kornet’s Role Behind Wembanyama

🧱 Rim Protection and Frontcourt Flexibility

The move gives head coach Gregg Popovich options to pair Victor Wembanyama at the four, allowing double-big lineups that emphasize size and interior defense. Kornet, 29, will bring shot-blocking, rebounding, and rim-running to the second unit.

🧠 Veteran IQ and Positional Fit

Kornet’s high basketball IQ and defensive positioning complement Wembanyama’s athleticism, giving the Spurs more lineup versatility. He could also see time alongside the French phenom in late-game matchups that demand size.

📊 Kornet’s Breakout with the Celtics

In the 2024–25 season, Kornet averaged:

• 6.0 points
• 5.3 rebounds
• 1.0 block
• 14.9 net rating — best on the Celtics

Though he played under 19 minutes per game, Boston outscored opponents by nearly 15 points per 100 possessions with Kornet on the floor. His presence was especially felt on the defensive end, where his “Kornet Kontest” became a meme-worthy but effective tool.

🎯 From Stretch Big to Efficient Rim Runner

Kornet once dabbled with shooting threes early in his career but has since focused on becoming an efficient paint scorer and rim runner. Over the past two seasons, he’s shot 68.1% from the field, showing excellent shot selection and timing around the rim.

This efficiency fits the Spurs’ system, which values ball movement and high-percentage interior looks.

🤝 Contract Breakdown: Luke Kornet Spurs Deal

• 💰 Total: 4 years, $41 million
• 🔒 Contract Type: Fully guaranteed
• 📝 Signed by: Agent Max Wiepking (Gersh Sports)

For San Antonio, the deal is a mid-level cap investment that addresses depth, experience, and defense without disrupting their financial future.

🔊 What They’re Saying

🗣️ ESPN’s Shams Charania

“Free agent center Luke Kornet has agreed to a four-year, $41M deal with the San Antonio Spurs. Adds rim protection and veteran depth.”

🗣️ Spurs Fan Reactions

• “Smart move. Kornet fits great behind Wemby.”
• “Best Celtics net rating guy — great under-the-radar pickup.”
• “Pop knows how to use skilled bigs. Kornet will thrive.”

📈 What This Means for the Spurs

• 🛡️ Better Rim Defense: Kornet strengthens the paint, helping take pressure off Wembanyama.
• 🔄 Frontcourt Rotation: Enables lineup flexibility without relying solely on small-ball lineups.
• 🎓 Mentorship Value: As a 10-year vet, Kornet brings quiet leadership to a young core.

This is a low-risk, high-value move that boosts San Antonio’s depth without needing a major splash.

🧠 FAQs – Luke Kornet Spurs Deal

❓ How much is Luke Kornet’s Spurs contract worth?

$41 million over four years, fully guaranteed.

❓ What was Kornet’s role with the Celtics?

A backup center known for rim protection, efficient scoring, and elite screen setting.

❓ Why did the Spurs sign Kornet?

To provide depth behind Wembanyama and enable flexible double-big lineups.

❓ What is the “Kornet Kontest”?

A technique where Kornet jumps during 3-point closeouts, using his height to disrupt without fouling.

🔚 Final Thoughts

The Luke Kornet Spurs deal won’t lead many headlines — but it’s exactly the type of move smart teams make. At 7-foot-2 with efficient defense, high IQ, and proven impact metrics, Kornet is a value big man who fits Popovich’s system and enhances the Spurs’ frontcourt behind Wembanyama.

A quiet signing that could pay big dividends.