Free-agent sharpshooter Luke Kennard is heading back to the Grizzlies on a one-year, $11M deal.
The Grizzlies had declined Kennardโs $14.8M team option for the 2024-25 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. However, it was always expected that he would agree to a more team-friendly contract to stay in Memphis. During his time as a free agent, there were no reports linking him to other teams.
Kennard only played 39 games last season due to health issues like a left knee bone bruise but performed well when he was on the court. He averaged 11 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in about 26 minutes per game .
Details of Kennard’s Performance
Known as one of the NBAโs top three-point shooters, Kennard has hit at least 44.6% from beyond the arc over the past four seasons, including an impressive 45% last year. He ranked No. 29 on this summerโs top 50 free agents list and was the only unrestricted free agent in the top 40 who hadn’t signed until now.
Before re-signing Kennard officially, the Grizzlies had 13 players under standard contracts with a total team salary around $160.75M. With Kennard’s new deal at $11M, their salary will go just above the luxury tax line by about $1M if they keep all current players or add another minimum-salary player.
Fans might think this move shows how much Memphis values Kennard’s shooting skills.
Keith Smith from Spotrac mentioned that this small surplus could be managed easily if needed later in the season since tax bills are calculated at season’s end.
What do you think about this move? Do you believe it will benefit both parties?
