The "Green Kornet" isn't going anywhere.
The Boston Celtics kicked off NBA free agency by bringing big man Luke Kornet back on a one-year contract, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. They wasted no time re-signing the 7-foot-2 center, whose deal was reported just as the free agency period began Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
Kornet, who turns 29 on July 15, averaged 5.3 points with 4.1 rebounds and one block per game last season with the 2024 NBA champions. He was an important depth piece, shoring up the Celtics frontcourt behind the oft-injured Kristaps Porzingis and 38-year-old Al Horford.
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Kornet figures to have a more prominent role next season for as long as Porzingis is sidelined. Porzingis is expected to be out until November or December after undergoing surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon. The Latvian suffered the injury in Game 2 of the NBA Finals but returned for the series-clinching Game 5.
With Kornet back in the fold, the Celtics have five free agents officially on the market. Xavier Tillman, Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, and JD Davison are unrestricted free agents while Drew Peterson is a restricted free agent. Backup big man Neemias Queta reportedly agreed to a multi-year deal with the Celtics on Sunday.
