The Phoenix Suns stole sharpshooter Luke Kennard away from the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.
Kennard was traded to the Lakers from the Atlanta Hawks in February and the Lakers were interested in keeping him in L.A., but he ultimately signed with the Suns on a two-year, $13 million deal. The deal has received an extremely favorable grade from at least one outlet.
Phoenix Suns Receive ‘A’ Grade Signing Luke Kennard in Free Agency
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Bleacher Report gave the Suns an ‘A’ grade for the signing of Kennard, pointing to his proven ability as an elite floor-spacer combined with his relatively cheap contract as reasons why the deal is a home run for Phoenix.
From Bleacher Report:
The lack of cap space around the league is limiting free agents to some shockingly low-value deals. It’s almost the inverse of 2016, when the cap spike led to news like Timofey Mozgov landing a four-year, $64 million deal. The latest surprisingly low figure goes to Luke Kennard, who agreed to a two-year deal with the Phoenix Suns for $13 million.
In the wake of the Miles Bridges trade that cost Phoenix Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, the Suns were in dire need of some shooting. And Kennard absolutely provides that. … He just led the league in three-point percentage at 47.8 (his third time earning that crown) and has a career mark of 44.2 that ranks second all time. Sprinkle in some underrated playmaking, and it’s hard to see this deal as anything but a steal for Phoenix.
In 32 games for the Lakers during the regular season, Kennard averaged 9.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 52 percent from the floor and 44 percent from long range.
This story will be updated.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Phoenix Suns Get Great Grade for Stealing Sharpshooter from Los Angeles Lakers appeared first on HEAVY.