Earlier today, the Memphis Grizzlies made a trade that sent small forward Ziaire Williams to the Brooklyn Nets. Though the Grizzlies received Mamadi Diakite in return, the trade opens up the room to bring another player back to the team. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Grizzlies are now expected to re-sign free agent Luke Kennard.
The Memphis Grizzlies are essentially trading Ziaire Williams, the 10th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, as a salary dump to clear more cap space to remain below the luxury tax and re-sign Luke Kennard. Brooklyn Nets take a flyer on a former lottery pick and get a second-round pick. https://t.co/Er14drx7N5
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 19, 2024
Memphis initially declined Kennard’s $14.8 million option for next season. However, the expectation was always for the two sides to come to terms on a new contract.
The 2023-24 season was Kennard’s first full season with the Grizzlies after the team acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2023. Last season, the Ohio native averaged 11 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 44.8% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc.
Memphis Grizzlies Expected to Re-Sign Former Lottery Pick
What Luke Kennard Brings to Memphis
Kennard is an exceptional three-point shooter and led the league in 3FG% twice in his career. Additionally, he provides veteran experience as he has been in the league since 2017. Kennard will likely assume a role off the bench for next season, but he is capable of starting when needed. Last season, the former No. 12 draft pick started 22 games for the Grizzlies. This was the most amount of games he had started in a season since starting 25 games during the 2019-20 season. Furthermore, he is not a great defender, but with the team expected to have defensive anchors in Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr. back for next season, it should not be too big of a problem for Memphis.
The Last Word on Luke Kennard
The 28-year-old has played very well during his time with the Grizzlies. If the team can re-sign him to a relatively cheap contract, a reunion is a good idea for both sides. Last season, the Grizzlies ended with a 27-55 record, 13th in the Western Conference. This ultimately led to the team ending up with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, which they used to draft Purdue big man Zach Edey.
Despite missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, their bad record is not what it seems. Memphis dealt with a plethora of injuries all season. Star Ja Morant only appeared in nine games following his suspension due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, Desmond Bane played 42 games, and Smart appeared in just 20 games. Two seasons ago, the Grizzlies had a 51-31 record and ended as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
The Grizzlies, who should be at full strength next season, will likely be right back in playoff contention. Though Kennard is not necessarily a game-changer, he is a useful player who has played some of his best basketball with the team.
