GM says Grizzlies 'still feel very strongly' about Luke Kennard as contract decision looms
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said Wednesday night that he still considers guard Luke Kennard a "great fit" as he considers whether to pick up Kennard's team option.
Kennard, who was acquired by the Grizzlies before the 2023 trade deadline and has been with the team for more than a year, has a team option on his $14.8 million salary for the 2024-2025 season. The Grizzlies have until Saturday to decide whether to pick up that option.
"We still feel very strongly about Luke as someone who's a great fit as part of this group," Kleiman said Wednesday night after the first round of the NBA Draft. "Nothing else I can really say on the matter at the time. More focused on the draft for tonight."
An elite 3-point shooter for his entire career, Kennard shot 45% from beyond the arc and averaged 11 points per game last season. The 28-year-old's ability to shoot consistently at a high level would make him valuable on the open market, and he'd have plenty of suitors if the Grizzlies decline his option.
Kleiman could've addressed the need for a shooter in Wednesday's first round of the draft, but — even though Tennessee's Dalton Knecht was on the board at No. 9 — the Grizzlies instead decided to take Purdue center Zach Edey to address another need.
Memphis has two picks — No. 39 and No. 57 — in Thursday's second round. So while there are plenty of decisions for Kleiman and the rest of the front office to make before Kennard's contract option needs to be addressed, Thursday will likely be a good indication of where things are heading.
The decision is likely to affect how Memphis approaches free agency. If the Grizzlies don't draft a proven shooter and don't keep Kennard, they'll have more freedom in free agency but will obviously have to address the need. Keeping Kennard could mean more flexibility around who Kleiman targets in Thursday's second round, but there will be less money available in free agency.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: GM Zach Kleiman on Luke Kennard's contract, future with Grizzlies
