Luke Kornet wasn’t the flashiest name on the free agent board last summer, but the San Antonio Spurs didn’t need flash - they needed fit. And through the first half of the season, Kornet has been exactly that: a steady, smart, and surprisingly vital piece of a Spurs team that’s outperforming expectations.
San Antonio made their move early, locking in Kornet on Day 1 of free agency with a four-year, $41 million deal. It wasn’t the kind of signing that dominated headlines, but it’s looking like one of the savviest pickups of the offseason. The Spurs pounced when the Boston Celtics couldn’t match the offer, and now they’re reaping the benefits.
With Victor Wembanyama managing a minutes restriction and occasionally missing time, Kornet has stepped in and stabilized the frontcourt. He’s started 22 games already, and the Spurs haven’t just survived - they’ve thrived.
Kornet’s presence has allowed the team to stay competitive without overextending their franchise cornerstone. That’s not just valuable - that’s essential.
What makes this deal even more impressive is the long-term vision behind it. The Spurs didn’t just grab a stopgap; they locked in Kornet through the next three seasons at a price that will look even better as the cap tightens.
Compare that to other teams, like Oklahoma City’s short-term splash with Isaiah Hartenstein. That move helped the Thunder win a title last season, but with their payroll ballooning, Hartenstein’s future in OKC is uncertain.
San Antonio, meanwhile, has Kornet locked in as a foundational piece as they build around Wembanyama.
And Kornet might just be scratching the surface of what he can do in this system. The Spurs trust him - that much is clear.
He’s played meaningful minutes alongside Wembanyama, and there’s a growing sense that a full-time “twin towers” pairing could be on the horizon. It’s a look that’s worked in spurts, giving the Spurs a unique defensive identity and a different kind of spacing on offense.
For a team that’s still figuring out its long-term rotation, Kornet’s versatility is a major asset.
What’s more, Kornet has won over fans who didn’t know much about him coming in. He’s not a stat-sheet stuffer, but his impact is undeniable.
He does the little things - sets hard screens, rotates on time, boxes out, and makes smart decisions with the ball. His rebounding has been particularly valuable, creating extra possessions that don’t always show up in highlight reels but swing games in the margins.
Just look at his six offensive boards against the Thunder or the five he pulled down against the Timberwolves. Those are effort plays that change momentum.
Even at the line, Kornet has been rock solid, knocking down over 82% of his free throws - a rare luxury for a traditional center. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, and that’s exactly what the Spurs have needed during this transitional phase.
While bigger names grabbed headlines in free agency, few have had the consistent, two-way impact Kornet has delivered. Rival teams had their chance to go after him - and some will likely be regretting they didn’t. But San Antonio acted decisively, and it’s paying off in a big way.
With Kornet locked in and Wembanyama continuing to develop, the Spurs have a frontcourt foundation that’s not just working now - it’s built to last.