The Phoenix Suns have officially welcomed Luke Kennard, a prominent three-point specialist, who is set to bolster their offensive capabilities following the departures of Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. Kennard's signing addresses a crucial need for perimeter scoring, as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in the league. His integration into the squad is anticipated to provide significant floor spacing and enhance overall offensive fluidity.
Kennard's transition to the Suns involves him inheriting the No. 8 jersey, previously worn by Allen during his tenure with the team. Interestingly, both Kennard and Allen share a collegiate past, having played together at Duke University from 2015 to 2017. While their jersey numbers differed at Duke—Kennard wearing No. 5 and Allen No. 3—the numerical coincidence of their sum equaling eight now with the Suns adds a unique narrative touch to their professional careers.
The strategic move to bring Kennard to Phoenix comes after the Suns executed a trade that sent Allen and O'Neale to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Miles Bridges. This transaction created a significant gap in the team's three-point production, which Kennard is primed to fill. His reputation as one of the NBA's most efficient three-point shooters makes him an ideal candidate for this role.
General Manager Brian Gregory lauded Kennard's work ethic and dedication, emphasizing his consistent accuracy from long range. Gregory noted that Kennard's ability to stretch the floor, combined with his high basketball IQ and playmaking skills, will introduce a new dimension to the Suns' offensive strategies. The official announcement of Kennard's two-year deal, which includes a player option for the second year, was made on July 14, though financial details were not disclosed by the team, reports suggest a $13 million agreement.
Kennard's arrival is particularly timely given the performance of his predecessors. Grayson Allen, in his final year with the Suns (2023-24), topped the NBA in three-point shooting percentage at 46.1%, his best career mark. Over his three seasons in Phoenix, Allen maintained a 41% success rate from beyond the arc. Despite a dip to 34.9% last season, he still achieved a career-high 16.5 points per game and took on an expanded playmaking role. Similarly, Royce O'Neale also enjoyed a career-best three-point shooting period with the Suns, hitting 40.3% over three seasons, with two consecutive seasons at 40%.
Luke Kennard's own statistical achievements underline his capability to deliver. He has led the league in three-point shooting percentage three times: 47.8% last season across 78 games, a career-high 49.4% in 59 games during the 2022-23 season, and 44.9% in 70 games in the 2021-22 season. Notably, his 2022-23 season saw him split time between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies, where he played alongside current Suns forward Dillon Brooks and achieved an impressive 54% from three-point range with the Grizzlies. Last season, he played for the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers, hitting 49.7% with the Hawks and 44.8% with the Lakers.
While Allen attempted 1,250 three-pointers for the Suns, making 513, Kennard's volume has been slightly lower over the last three seasons, with 744 attempts and 337 makes. This difference can be attributed to Allen's higher minutes played (5,524 compared to Kennard's 4,152 across 190 and 182 games, respectively). However, Kennard is expected to see an increase in three-point attempts with the Suns, similar to how Collin Gillespie set a franchise record for made threes last season. Kennard has a proven track record of elevating his game when tasked with increasing his three-point output, as evidenced by his career-high 190 makes on 423 attempts during his first season leading the league in three-point percentage.
The strategic acquisition of Luke Kennard signifies the Phoenix Suns' clear intention to enhance their long-range shooting and offensive versatility. His consistent performance, combined with his high basketball acumen, positions him as a key player in their quest for future success. The team and its fans anticipate that Kennard's precise shooting will open up new scoring opportunities and contribute significantly to their overall performance in the upcoming seasons.
