Luke Kennard expected to remain with Grizzlies

In the simplest form, Kennard’s role in Memphis is a hefty price to pay at $14.8 million. Especially when you consider the ripple of decisions that come behind the idea of picking up the team option. Picking up Kennard’s option would have put the Grizzlies in the luxury tax and first apron, which limits their financial flexibility for the offseason. The Grizzlies would essentially be bargain-shopping in free agency. That’s why there could be a path to a return. An ideal scenario for Memphis would be bringing Kennard back on a lower salary that helps the team avoid the first apron. Kennard could win by securing a contract with more guaranteed years attached than the one season he would have had on the team option. Memphis is playing a dangerous games by allowing other teams to get involved in negotiations with Kennard, but the risk would be worth it if the two sides come together on a reworked deal. -via Memphis Commercial Appeal / June 30, 2024

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: The Memphis Grizzlies are declining guard Luke Kennard’s $14.8M option, but both sides are eager to pursue a restructured deal. Kennard’s a career 44 percent 3-point shooter and key floor spacer for Western contender. pic.twitter.com/CYIA7JYFBj -via Twitter @wojespn / June 29, 2024

For this mock draft exercise, assuming Memphis doesn’t trade the pick in an attempt to move up for Clingan, the Grizzlies land Dalton Knecht, a sharpshooter who could replace Luke Kennard, who has a $14.76 million team option and is available on the trade market, league sources told HoopsHype -via HoopsHype / June 24, 2024