BREAKING: Luke Kornet Signs 4-Year, $41 Million Deal With San Antonio Spurs — Spurs Add Another Towering Force Next to Wembanyama
In a surprise move that’s already shaking up the NBA free agency landscape, free agent center Luke Kornet has agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, per insider @ShamsCharania. The 7-foot-2 big man is now headed to Texas, joining forces with phenom Victor Wembanyama to form one of the league’s tallest and most intriguing frontcourts.
The signing is part of the Spurs’ ongoing commitment to building around Wembanyama — last year’s No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year — by giving him size, support, and floor-spacing versatility.
The Kornet Effect: Why This Deal Makes Sense
Kornet, 28, has carved out a unique role for himself in the league. Standing at 7’2” with a solid perimeter shot and a high basketball IQ, he’s long been a favorite among coaches who value spacing, movement, and size. While he’s never been a star, Kornet’s skill set has kept him on competitive rosters, including his most recent stint with the Boston Celtics, where he contributed steady minutes off the bench during deep playoff runs.
In San Antonio, Kornet is expected to do more than just provide depth. The Spurs are betting on his experience, shot-blocking ability, and offensive versatility to complement the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama. While Wemby is the centerpiece of the franchise’s long-term vision, Kornet’s arrival gives him the rare opportunity to play next to a fellow seven-footer who doesn’t crowd the paint.
Kornet is also known for his unusual perimeter defense tactic dubbed “The Kornet Contest,” where he leaps in place — often far away from the shooter — to obstruct the line of sight without fouling. While unconventional, it’s proven effective and adds another wrinkle to the Spurs’ evolving defensive schemes.
San Antonio’s Master Plan
The Spurs are clearly executing a patient and purposeful rebuild. After selecting Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick in 2023, the franchise has made it a priority to surround him with players who amplify his strengths while covering for his growing pains. Kornet does just that. He brings:
- Length and rim protection to help fortify the paint
- Pick-and-pop spacing to give Wemby room to operate in isolation
- Veteran leadership in a relatively young locker room
This move also gives Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich more options. He can play Kornet and Wemby together in a twin-tower lineup against bigger teams or rotate them depending on matchups. The Spurs now have a unique size advantage that could pose serious problems for teams lacking interior depth.
Reactions Across the League
While the deal didn’t come with fireworks like some blockbuster trades, the basketball world took immediate notice. Kornet’s name quickly trended on social media, with fans and analysts praising the Spurs’ ability to quietly bolster their roster without breaking the bank.
“This is a smart move by San Antonio. Kornet’s not flashy, but he’s solid. And next to Wemby? That’s going to be a real problem in the paint,” tweeted one NBA analyst.
Others highlighted the deal’s value: $41 million over four years gives the Spurs both flexibility and stability. At just over $10 million per season, Kornet’s contract is manageable and leaves room for future roster moves.
Kornet’s Journey: From Undrafted to Valuable Veteran
Luke Kornet’s path to this payday has been anything but conventional. Undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2017, he began his career with the New York Knicks and bounced between teams, including the Bulls and Celtics. Known early on as a “stretch five,” he evolved into a more complete player over the years — gaining trust as a role player who does the little things: set screens, box out, make the extra pass, and defend without fouling.
His resilience and adaptability are now being rewarded, and Spurs fans can expect a blue-collar, high-IQ contributor ready to make an impact immediately.
Looking Ahead: Spurs Position Themselves for a Leap
The Spurs aren’t just adding bodies — they’re building a foundation. With Wembanyama poised to become one of the faces of the NBA, every move matters. Luke Kornet may not make headlines like a superstar signing, but his presence will be felt in the flow of games, the spacing on offense, and the gritty battles down low.
San Antonio has its core. And now, it has another towering force to back it up.
Final Verdict: A Slam Dunk for San Antonio.
