Luke Kennard Signed Two-Year Contract With Phoenix Suns
The veteran shooter joined Phoenix in summer 2026 to help bolster the team's 3-point shooting production.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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Luke Kennard signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Phoenix Suns in the summer of 2026. The move follows trades involving Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, leaving the Suns in need of perimeter shooting depth.
Why it matters
The Suns are relying on Kennard to maintain high efficiency while significantly increasing his volume of 3-point attempts this season. Coaches believe his skill set is critical to replacing shooting lost during recent roster trades.
Kennard led the NBA with a 47.8% 3-point percentage during the 2025-26 season, outperforming his career average of 44.2%. He is entering his 10th NBA season, tasked with raising his per-game 3-point volume from his career mark of 4.3 attempts.
The players
Luke Kennard
He is an NBA sharpshooter entering his 10th season known for his league-leading 3-point accuracy.
Jordan Ott
He is the head coach of the Phoenix Suns who encourages players to play to their offensive strengths.
Grayson Allen
He is a professional basketball player who was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Royce O'Neale
He is a professional basketball player who was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
The details
Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott has signaled he will allow offensive freedom, though teammates and staff have explicitly requested Kennard elevate his shot volume. The organization is testing if Kennard can sustain his elite accuracy while increasing the difficulty and frequency of his attempts to compensate for recent personnel departures.
Timeline
During the 2025-26 season, Kennard shot 47.8% from 3-point range.
Luke Kennard signed a contract with the Phoenix Suns in the summer of 2026.
Kennard spoke at media day on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This addition follows the trends established during the 2025-26 NBA season where league-wide reliance on high-volume perimeter shooting continued to grow. Kennard’s performance will directly influence whether the Suns remain competitive in the Western Conference playoff picture.
The Suns have signaled a willingness to limit Kennard's minutes on a short leash if his shooting volume does not meet the staff's new expectations. His success in this higher-volume role will be a critical factor for fantasy managers and Suns rotation stability.
The takeaway
The Suns are betting that an increased volume from a career-accurate shooter can offset significant roster losses. Fans should monitor whether Kennard can maintain his high efficiency while adapting to a more aggressive offensive role.
Further reading
For more on roster updates and team performance, visit Phoenix Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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