### Celtics Make Moves: Signing Luka Garza and Losing Luke Kornet The Boston Celtics have made significant roster changes as they enter the 2025 NBA offseason. They have reportedly signed free-agent center Luka Garza to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million, while simultaneously losing former center Luke Kornet, who has agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs. This shift highlights the Celtics' evolving strategy as they navigate their salary cap situation and seek to bolster their frontcourt depth following the departure of Kornet and the potential exit of other key players like Al Horford. *The Celtics may still need to address their center position further this offseason* [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-luke-kornet-luka-garza-moves-highlight-bostons-new-cap-reality]. ### Breakdown of Recent Transactions and Their Implications 1. **Luka Garza's Signing**: - The Celtics have signed Luka Garza, a former center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, to a two-year contract valued at $5.5 million. This move is seen as a strategic addition to replace Kornet and potentially fill the gap left by Kristaps Porzingis, who is also a free agent [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-kristaps-porzingis-luke-kornet-luka-garza]. 2. **Luke Kornet's Departure**: - Kornet has signed a lucrative four-year deal worth $41 million with the San Antonio Spurs. His exit marks a significant change for the Celtics, as Kornet was a fan favorite and contributed positively to the team's performance metrics during his tenure [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/30/sports/celtics-luka-garza]. 3. **Impact on Team Dynamics**: - The Celtics' roster changes reflect a broader strategy to manage their salary cap while enhancing their competitiveness. Kornet's departure and Garza's arrival may alter the team's dynamics, particularly in the frontcourt, where they may still need additional depth [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-luke-kornet-luka-garza-moves-highlight-bostons-new-cap-reality]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Luka Garza's Performance**: - Garza's previous season statistics indicate he can be a valuable asset, although specific metrics from his time with the Timberwolves were not detailed in the sources. His signing is viewed as a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for the Celtics [https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2025/06/30/boston-celtics-luka-garza-nba-basketball-free-agency-luke-kornet]. - **Luke Kornet's Contributions**: - Kornet averaged 6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1 block in just under 19 minutes per game last season. His advanced metrics showed that the Celtics outscored opponents by 14.9 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor, highlighting his impact despite modest statistical output [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/spurs_sign_celtics_fan_favorite_to_41_million_deal/s1_17201_42398182]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Celtics In summary, the Boston Celtics are undergoing a notable transformation as they sign Luka Garza and lose Luke Kornet. 1. **Strategic Additions**: The signing of Garza is aimed at enhancing the team's frontcourt depth and addressing the potential void left by Kornet and Porzingis. 2. **Financial Considerations**: Kornet's departure for a substantial contract with the Spurs reflects the Celtics' need to manage their salary cap effectively while still aiming for competitive success. 3. **Future Outlook**: The Celtics may still need to make additional moves to solidify their center position and ensure they remain competitive in the upcoming season [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-luke-kornet-luka-garza-moves-highlight-bostons-new-cap-reality]. These developments set the stage for an intriguing offseason as the Celtics look to build a roster capable of contending in the NBA.