The Memphis Grizzlies have secured the return of veteran guard Luke Kennard with a one-year, $11 million contract. This deal comes after the team declined Kennard’s $14.8 million option for the upcoming season, opting for a more team-friendly agreement.
Kennard, who was acquired by the Grizzlies in a trade in February 2023, has been a valuable asset to the team. Despite being limited to 39 games in the previous season due to a knee injury, he has proven himself as a sharpshooter, averaging 11.1 points per game with an impressive 48.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
The Grizzlies faced significant challenges with injuries to key players, including star guard Ja Morant, who only played nine games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. With the team struggling in three-point shooting, retaining Kennard was crucial to provide additional floor spacing and offensive firepower.
While the Grizzlies have not made significant moves to address their shooting woes this offseason, bringing back Kennard ensures they have a reliable long-range threat to support Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots will be essential in alleviating the offensive pressure on the team’s core players.
By agreeing to a new contract with Kennard, the Grizzlies have secured a key piece for their roster moving forward. As long as Kennard can stay healthy and maintain his scoring prowess, he will play a vital role in the team’s quest for success in the upcoming season.