Why Rockets Should Sign Grizzlies' Luke Kennard in Free Agency
The Houston Rockets could use some oomph in the 3-point shooting department.
As a team, the Rockets shoot just a smidge above 35 percent, good enough for the 27th-best clip in the NBA.
This could lead to some free agency shopping for shooting, and Bleacher Report suggests Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard as an option.
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"Assuming Thompson and Green show enough to be trusted into 2024-25, Houston might opt instead for a pure shooter like Kennard to space the floor," Bleacher Report writes. "Neither of those young guards commands a ton of attention as a three-point shooter right now, so someone with Kennard's outside shooting ability could bring some balance to the roster."
Kennard, 27, averages 10.5 points for the Grizzlies this season while shooting 45.5 percent beyond the arc. Only Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen shoots at a better rate.
The Rockets can only sign Kennard, however, if the Grizzlies choose to decline his $14.7 million option for next season. Memphis is one season removed from finishing second in the West, but injuries this season have derailed them and pushed them to the bottom of the barrel. However, if they plan to be back among the contenders next season, having Kennard around to help with spacing for Ja Morant would be key.
However, they may decide to cut their losses and get a better bargain player instead. And if that's the case, the Rockets should be one of Kennard's first phone calls in free agency this summer.
