Celtics sign center Luke Kornet to new contract

Feb 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Center Luke Kornet is set to remain a member of the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Kornet is reportedly signing a one-year deal with Boston, avoiding free agency and instead returning to the Celtics as the team looks to defend its title.

Kornet averaged 15.6 minutes per game during the regular season last year as one of Boston's key reserves. Kornet also shot 70% from the field and was a steady rebounder. Importantly, he also started in 7 games for the Celtics whenever both Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis were sidelined. Given that the latter is set to miss the beginning of the '24-25 season, Kornet's flexibility and familiarity with how the team plays will be valuable. In his time with Boston, Kornet has also become something of a fan favorite thanks to his memorable celebrations and post-game press conferences

With Boston's bloated payroll, the team isn't likely to make many big splashes in free agency this summer, and re-signing Kornet takes away one of the few unknowns for the Celtics this summer.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics sign center Luke Kornet to new contract