Feb 25, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) handles the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Atlanta Hawks Adding Former Detroit Pistons First-Rounder

Originally posted on Detroit Pistons on SI
By Justin Grasso | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 9:34 PM ET

The Atlanta Hawks are off to a busy start in free agency. Unfortunately for the Detroit Pistons , it took a couple of key targets off the board. Luke Kennard is the latest.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kennard has agreed to a one-year deal with the Hawks ahead of the 2025-2026 NBA season.

Before the NBA opened up the free agency doors, Kennard was one of the most popular players to hit the market. The veteran sharpshooter was gaining looks from several teams beyond the Hawks. The Pistons were reportedly on that list, although they didn’t seem to be strong contenders in Kennard’s market, the former first-rounder was a player to keep an eye on.

Free agent sharpshooter Luke Kennard has agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell ESPN. Kennard has been one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA, and Atlanta negotiated the new deal with CAA's Aaron Mintz and Dave Spahn. pic.twitter.com/630xGDjmuo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Kennard will wrap up a three-year run with the Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, the former Duke guard appeared in 65 games for the Grizzlies. He produced nine points per game while shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc.

Although Kennard won’t be joining the Pistons in free agency, the franchise knows him well. Coming out of Duke in 2017, Kennard was selected by the Pistons with the 12th overall pick in the NBA Draft.

During a three-season run with the Pistons, Kennard appeared in 164 games. The young sharpshooter produced 10 points per game, hitting on 40 percent of his threes.

During the 2020 offseason, Kennard was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers via trade. In a three-year stint with the Clippers, Kennard averaged 10 points while shooting 45 percent from three.

Kennard is set to join the now-former Minnesota Timberwolves guard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, in Atlanta. Alexander-Walker was another rumored target for the Pistons this offseason.