Luke Kornet, Guerschon Yabusele Reportedly Eyed By Spurs in NBA Free Agency

The San Antonio Spurs "are looming as a prominent landing spot for big men on the free agent market," per Jake Fischer for the Stein Line newsletter, who added that the team could be a landing spot for free agents Guerschon Yabusele and Luke Kornet.

"On Saturday afternoon we reported San Antonio's rising interest, among other teams, in trying to lure rugged French forward Guerschon Yabusele away from Philadelphia.

"Another center target, sources say, that rival executives expect San Antonio to pursue: Boston's Luke Kornet.

"The Celtics' 29-year-old big man, who has yet to earn north of $3 million in any single season in his eight-year NBA career, appears to have a real shot to cash out in this summer's midlevel market.

"Multiple well-placed observers are describing San Antonio as the foremost threat to sign Yabusele away from the 76ers, but I'm also told that Philadelphia has not yet abandoned hope of convincing him to stay.

"The Spurs certainly boast a persuasive recruiter in the Yabusele chase — his Olympic teammate Victor Wembanyama — but word is Milwaukee is another team to watch here."

Kornet, who turns 30 years old on July 15, averaged 6.0 points on 66.8 percent shooting and 5.3 rebounds last season for the Boston Celtics.

The 29-year-old Yabusele averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

The 7'2" Kornet has been with the Celtics for the last three-plus seasons. He was notably a key piece on the NBA title-winning team from the 2023-24 campaign, playing 63 games (seven starts) while posting 5.3 points on 70.0 percent shooting and 4.1 rebounds.

He's certainly a valuable asset off the bench when needed. Kornet was arguably the star of the Celtics' lone win against the New York Knicks in the second round of this year's playoffs, blocking seven shots while adding 10 points and nine rebounds in a 127-102 victory.

As for Yabusele, he's a fantastic success story after excelling for France's national team en route to its Olympic silver medal last summer. That led to another look from the NBA after playing overseas for five years. He made the most of it, providing productive minutes for the 76ers and showcasing that he's more than capable of sticking around in the Association.

Both make sense for the Spurs, who could use another big man to handle business down low for more depth behind Wembanyama. As of now, it's unclear who is going to fill out the frontcourt depth chart, with ex-Spur Zach Collins traded to the Chicago Bulls in the three-team De'Aaron Fox deal and Sandro Mamukelashvili entering free agency. But either Kornet or Yabusele can help fill a gap as the Spurs look for some more help.