The Phoenix Suns just made a quiet move that could pay off big from deep. Luke Kennard, the 30-year-old sharpshooter who finished last season with the NBA’s best three-point percentage, is signing a two-year deal worth nearly $13 million, league sources confirmed Tuesday night.
That’s a significant get for Phoenix. The Suns traded away Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale in the deal for Miles Bridges earlier this offseason, which left a real void in shooting around Devin Booker. Kennard fills that gap. And then some.
Kennard shot 47.8 percent from three last season overall. That led the league. After getting traded from Atlanta to the Lakers at the deadline, he hit 44.8 percent from deep in 32 games and became a central piece of JJ Redick’s offense in L.A. For a guy whose game is built on catch-and-shoot, the fit in Phoenix makes a lot of sense. That’s exactly the role Allen thrived in before he was moved.
Why Kennard Chose Phoenix Over the Lakers
The Lakers wanted to keep him. But Kennard saw a clearer path to playing time and a bigger offensive role in the Valley. Phoenix needed someone who can space the floor consistently and make defenses pay for leaving him open. Kennard does that as well as almost anyone alive. He’s not a playmaker or a defender you build around, but he’s a weapon. A very specific one. And the Suns need weapons right now.
This is also a bet on health. Kennard has missed chunks of seasons with various leg injuries over the years. But when he’s on the floor, the math changes. Defenses have to account for him everywhere from the corners to above the break. That opens up driving lanes for Booker and gives new addition Bridges more room to operate.
The contract itself is interesting. Two years at under $13 million isn’t a steal exactly, but it’s fair market value for a specialist who just proved he can perform in a playoff-caliber offense. And because it’s not a massive number, the Suns retain flexibility to make other moves.
This story is still developing. More details on the contract structure and official announcement should come in the next day or two. But for now, Phoenix just added the best three-point shooter in the league. That’s worth paying attention to.
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