The Phoenix Suns entered the offseason facing an important challenge: replacing much of the perimeter shooting that had become central to their offensive identity. After moving on from two of their top long-range threats, the organization quickly responded by signing veteran guard Luke Kennard.
Phoenix agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with Kennard, a contract that has drawn praise across the league for its value. Given the veteran’s reputation as one of basketball’s most efficient outside shooters, many analysts believe the Suns may have secured one of free agency’s best bargains.
Kennard arrives at a pivotal moment for the franchise. With a revamped roster and head coach Jordan Ott implementing his preferred system, the Suns are emphasizing floor spacing and perimeter offense as they prepare for the upcoming season.
While high-profile moves often dominate headlines during the offseason, history has shown that championship contenders are frequently strengthened by smaller acquisitions. Phoenix is betting that Kennard’s skill set and experience will make a meaningful difference in its pursuit of postseason success.
1. Filling a Critical Need
The Suns’ decision to pursue Kennard was rooted in necessity. Phoenix lost Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, two players who had established themselves as reliable contributors from beyond the arc and helped the team rank among the league leaders in three-point production.
Kennard’s credentials as a shooter are difficult to overlook. Last season, he led the NBA in three-point percentage, converting 47.8 percent of his attempts. Although he averaged just over three attempts per game, his efficiency consistently forced opposing defenses to account for his presence.
The Suns are expected to provide him with additional opportunities within Ott’s offensive scheme. Phoenix has made perimeter shooting a priority, and Kennard’s arrival gives the team another dependable option alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks.
While it may be unrealistic to expect him to replicate the high volume previously carried by Allen, Kennard’s ability to stretch defenses should seamlessly complement Phoenix’s existing offensive personnel. His presence could help maintain the spacing that has become a hallmark of the team’s attack.
2. More Than Just a Shooter
Although Kennard is best known for his shooting ability, his offensive contributions extend beyond making three-pointers. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an ability to handle the ball, facilitate offense, and operate effectively in a variety of roles.
His versatility makes him particularly valuable in modern NBA systems. Kennard can initiate pick-and-roll actions, create opportunities for teammates, and remain productive without the ball in his hands. That flexibility provides coaches with additional lineup options and strategic advantages.
Phoenix’s bench unit could especially benefit from his presence. Kennard is expected to share responsibilities with players such as Collin Gillespie, giving the Suns a second unit capable of maintaining offensive rhythm when starters are resting.
General manager Brian Gregory highlighted many of those qualities when discussing the signing. He pointed to Kennard’s work ethic, basketball intelligence, and ability to connect possessions offensively as key reasons why the organization pursued him in free agency.
3. A Contract With Significant Value
Beyond his on-court production, Kennard’s contract may ultimately become one of the transaction’s most attractive elements. At $13 million over two seasons, the deal provides Phoenix with both affordability and roster flexibility.
In an era when reliable shooters routinely command significant salaries, securing a player of Kennard’s caliber at that price represents a relatively low-risk investment. It also allows the Suns to preserve financial flexibility as they continue evaluating future roster decisions.
At 30 years old, Kennard brings a blend of experience and stability to a team balancing established veterans with younger contributors. He has spent time on playoff teams and rebuilding rosters alike, giving him an understanding of the different responsibilities that come with each environment.
His role in Phoenix appears straightforward: provide spacing, make smart decisions, and contribute to a winning culture. If he succeeds in those areas, the Suns may look back on this offseason and conclude that one of their most important moves received the least amount of attention.