The Boston Celtics have been active in reshaping their roster for the upcoming NBA season, making a significant three-team trade to acquire Washington Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis while sending Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Reserve big man Luke Kornet, however, is judged to be the biggest loser in this roster overhaul in a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley (h/t Heavy’s Adam Taylor).
“After shattering his previous career-high with 69 appearances this past season, Kornet’s outlook took a turn for the worse,” Buckley wrote. “His $2.4 million salary for next season is non-guaranteed, and the Celtics may not want to shoulder that expense for someone who would be their fourth-best center.”
“It’s still possible Kornet sticks around. Boston’s other bigs have concerns in terms of injuries (Porzingis, Robert Williams III) and aging (37-year-old Al Horford),” the B/R analyst added.
Will the Texan wing’s outstanding play in the annual Nevada exhibition series translate to the next level? https://t.co/AbasTy6CQq
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 3, 2023
“Even then, though, the Celtics could decide Kornet’s roster spot would be better served by adding depth somewhere it doesn’t have three starting-caliber players already.”
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