The Boston Celtics’ try and defend their NBA championship resulted in disappointment Friday night time, as they had been eradicated by the New York Knicks in a 119-81 Recreation 6 loss within the second spherical of the playoffs. Following the defeat, veteran middle and impending free agent Luke Kornet addressed the media however declined to supply specifics about his future with the group.
Talking with Noa Dalzell of Celtics on CLNS, Kornet provided a quick response relating to his plans without spending a dime company.
“Concerning going ahead, we’ll work out that stuff in relation to it,” Kornet mentioned. “At this level, you simply need to unwind and spend time with household.”
The 29-year-old massive man, who has performed eight seasons throughout a number of groups together with the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, has spent the final three years with Boston. In the course of the 2024-25 marketing campaign, Kornet carved out essentially the most substantial position of his NBA profession. He appeared in 72 common season video games and averaged a career-high 18.6 minutes per sport, contributing six factors, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and one block per contest whereas capturing an environment friendly 66.8% from the sector.
Luke Kornet’s breakout postseason comes as Celtics face unsure offseason
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Kornet earned the beginning in Recreation 6, ending with 5 factors, 5 rebounds, one help, and one block in 21 minutes. His postseason spotlight got here in Recreation 5, the place he delivered a career-best playoff efficiency. In that sport, Kornet totaled 10 factors, 9 rebounds, seven blocks, an help, and a steal whereas going an ideal 5-for-5 from the sector and recording a +20 in plus/minus.
Kornet’s emergence as a dependable frontcourt contributor comes at a time of rising uncertainty for Boston. The Celtics are anticipated to face a pivotal offseason. Experiences point out the group may think about reshaping its roster to handle a projected payroll that will exceed $500 million, together with luxurious tax penalties, if the present core stays intact.
Moreover, All-Star ahead Jayson Tatum is predicted to overlook the vast majority of the 2025-26 season after struggling a torn Achilles in Recreation 4 of the Knicks collection. His prolonged absence may affect the Celtics’ method to each free company and inner roster choices.
Kornet, who performed on a minimal contract this previous season, might be considered one of a number of position gamers whose futures hinge on how Boston’s entrance workplace chooses to navigate its cap state of affairs and long-term roster construction. Whereas he declined to decide to a route publicly, his development right into a rotation participant on a title-contending group might enhance his worth on the open market.
As Boston regroups from a season that ended sooner than anticipated, choices surrounding veterans like Jrue Vacation, rotation contributors like Kornet, and the injured Tatum will outline how the franchise strikes ahead.