The Phoenix Suns made the best signing on the opening night of free agency by agreeing to sign Luke Kennard to a two-year contract worth $13 million. They filled their biggest need, got a talent rotation piece on a cheap contract, and stole a piece from the rival Lakers. Phoenix needed shooting after losing Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale in the Miles Bridges trade, so they went out and acquired arguably the best shooter in the last five years.
Kennard shot 47.8 percent from 3-point range this season and has led the NBA three times in the last five years. He makes triples like layups. Kennard averaged 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in 2026. He showed some increased playmaking after being traded to the Lakers. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were injured late in the year, and it helped Kennard blossom. He is an elite floor spacer capable of making a few plays in a pinch.
NBA free agency opened at 3 p.m. PT on June 30, but only ten players signed new contracts on the opening night. None were better than the Suns inking Kennard for $13 million. Honestly, there were only two even comparable deals.
Suns’ Luke Kennard signing was the best move of free agency so far
Kennard should play 20-25 minutes per game and help the Suns win. Opposing teams must respect his shooting. The 6’5 wing will open the floor for Devin Booker and Jalen Green to attack. There was some worry about the Suns’ spacing after the Miles Bridges trade, but that deal looks so much better after signing Kennard.
Dean Wade signed a four-year deal worth $39 million to join the 76ers. $9.8 million is a bit rich for a 20-25 minute per game role player, but Wade has size and versatility that help any contender. Getting Kennard for less gave the Suns the edge.
Tim Hardaway Jr. signed a one-year $6.5 million deal with the Heat. Phoenix got one extra year on Kennard’s deal, but it is a player option. THJ is a streaky shooter capable of shooting his team completely out of a game. Kennard’s consistency gives him the edge on a comparable contract.
The Suns made the best move on June 30. It was a slow day. Fans are still waiting on LeBron James to decide his next team. There will be plenty more moves, but Phoenix filled their biggest need with arguably the best shooter in the NBA. It was a cheap contract that fit nicely onto their books. The Suns filled their 15-man roster and are ready to start building chemistry.
Luke Kennard stands out as the best free agency move so far. The Phoenix Suns are quietly building. They were back in the playoffs last season and expect to be even better after adding Miles Bridges and Kennard.
Owner Mat Ishbia is never afraid to be bold. It has the future looking up in the Valley, even if the Suns aren’t a serious threat to win the title. Baby steps to the top, and adding Kennard was a move in the right direction.
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