Luke Cornett, who previously played for the Boston Celtics, has agreed to a four-year contract worth $41 million with the San Antonio Spurs. This move has shifted the backup big man position from the Celtics in New England to the Spurs in Texas. Cornett switched from wearing the No. 40 jersey with Boston to No. 7 with San Antonio. When asked about his new number choice, Cornett mentioned it was inspired by his current phase in life, full of contracts, fulfillment, and faith, and also as a tribute to Spurs legend Tim Duncan, who wore the No. 21—a number three times Cornett’s new jersey number. Standing 7-foot-2, Cornett hopes to carve out a legacy similar to Duncan’s, who is a Hall of Famer and five-time NBA champion with the Spurs. Cornett also expressed his love for multiples and factors, which ties into his jersey number choice.
Cornett’s $41 million deal is a significant increase, averaging $10.25 million annually, a sharp rise compared to the $11 million he earned over his first eight NBA years with several teams, including the Knicks, Bulls, Cavaliers, and Bucks. He struggled initially between the NBA and G-League after entering the league undrafted in 2017. However, Cornett found his stride over the last three years with Boston, making 73 appearances last season and averaging 6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and blocks in under 19 minutes per game. Fans appreciated his engaging personality and contributions off the bench. Cornett expressed gratitude for his time in Boston but felt a sense of peace and alignment with his new opportunity in San Antonio.
Fan Take: This signing is a big win for the Spurs as they add a versatile, experienced big man who brings both skill and character to the team. For basketball fans, Cornett’s move highlights the evolving landscape of free agency where players find new homes that fit both their career goals and personal lives, potentially reshaping team dynamics across the league.
