The Phoenix Suns have made a significant move in the off-season, signing veteran guard Luke Kennard to a $13 million, two-year deal.
Kennard, a six-foot-five guard, has been one of the most accurate 3-point shooters in the NBA, hitting 44.2% of his attempts over a nine-year career. He has played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Atlanta Hawks.
The Suns' deal with Kennard includes a player option for the second season, which means he has the right to opt out of the contract after one year. The deal is a significant addition to the Suns' roster as they look to build on their playoff run last season.
In other news, the Suns have also been in talks with other free agents, including forward Mikal Bridges and center JaVale McGee. While no deals have been officially announced, sources close to the team indicate that negotiations are ongoing.
Luke Kennard's signing is a significant coup for the Suns, who have been looking to upgrade their roster this off-season. The former University of Michigan star has consistently proven himself to be a valuable asset to any team he's played for, and the Suns are hoping he'll help them make a deeper run in the playoffs.
Kennard's agreement with the Suns comes after the team missed out on signing forward Bradley Beal, who ultimately signed with the Houston Rockets.
As of today, July 1st, the NBA free agency period has just begun, and teams are scrambling to sign top players. The Suns' deal with Kennard marks one of the first major signings of the off-season.
The Suns are looking to build on their success last season, when they reached the Western Conference semifinals.
The team's roster is expected to shape up over the next few weeks as they try to fill out their bench and make a push for a championship.
Luke Kennard has played in 541 games in his nine-year career, averaging 12.8 points per game.
While the Suns' deal with Kennard is significant, there are still many questions surrounding the team's roster, including the future of star guard Devin Booker.
Booker, who has been one of the Suns' top players for several years, is due to become a free agent next summer. While he has hinted at staying with the team, his future is still uncertain.
The Suns are counting on Kennard to help fill the void left by Booker's potential departure.
Luke Kennard's impressive shooting percentages:
- 3-point shooting: 44.2%
- Field goal percentage: 46.4%
- Points per game: 12.8
The Suns' deal with Kennard is one of several significant signings across the league this off-season, as teams look to bolster their rosters ahead of the regular season.