5 Contracts the Memphis Grizzlies must shed during the offseason
By Tyler Watts
3. Luke Kennard
The Grizzlies desperately need shooting. It is why they gave up multiple draft picks to get Kennard last season. The 6’5 wing is one of the best shooters in the league as he has connected on 46.2 percent from 3-point range over the last three years combined. Why would Memphis let him go if he fills a need?
The Grizzlies took the sixth-most threes this season and have the worst 3-point percentage in the NBA. Kennard has played just 39 games and has been limited to 25.6 minutes per contest. He has played fewer than 60 games in three of the last five years, but it is his one-way ability that makes it time to part with Kennard.
He struggles on defense, and the team had a negative 8.8 net rating with him on the floor this season. For context, only the Hornets and Wizards are worse over the full campaign. If the Grizzlies want to contend, they need a shooter capable of playing more and making a larger impact on the defensive end of the floor.
Memphis has a $14.7 million team option on Kennard’s contract for next season. They should explore his trade market. Several teams will be interested in one of the best shooters in the league, and it could open the door for the Grizzlies to upgrade.