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Why Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard always wanted to re-sign with Memphis
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- Why Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard always wanted to re-sign with Memphis
The days added up and curiosity increased around the Memphis Grizzlies in July. Many people felt that guard Luke Kennard would be re-signing, but the decision wasn't official until the end of the month.
Count Grizzlies players in the group of people who were intrigued by the lengthy delay before the Grizzlies and Kennard finally reached a one-year deal. Kennard, however, didn't leave his teammates in the cold. He kept them in the loop throughout the process when they would ask what was going on.
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As for everyone else, many people didn't find out until the official announcement was made.
"There are a lot of different conversations that go on throughout that process," Kennard said. "I told (Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman) I want to be in Memphis. This is where I want to be. I'm excited with what they have built here over the last few years. I just wanted to be a small part of that."
Kennard kept the line of communication open between himself, his agent and the Grizzlies during July. Even when he was still a free agent, he went out to Las Vegas during summer league and worked out with some of his Grizzlies teammates.
"I thought I'd be in Memphis," Kennard said. "That was just my mindset through everything. Me and the team expressed mutual interest in that. I'm just excited for the year we can have."
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Kennard is now entering his third season with the Grizzlies. He joined the team following the 2022 February trade deadline. The sharpshooting lefty has made 48.3% of his 3-pointers in 63 career games with Memphis. Injuries limited Kennard to 39 games last season.
Being back in Memphis is nit only where Kennard has been comfortable on the floor. The Franklin, Ohio, native's family is not too far from Memphis, which he said factored into his decision. Kennard and his wife also had a child in March 2024, and that was also an important piece of Kennard's decision.
"The fact that (family) can come see me anytime is such a big thing," Kennard said. "Being closer to home plays a big factor. With the new baby and a wife at home, they love where we're at and the city where we are. It's been a great time so far. We've enjoyed Memphis a lot. We're just glad we have at least another year."
Kennard has been intentional during his time in Memphis about learning the community and being involved. For the second consecutive year, he spent time at the Danny Thomas Celebrity-Am to help raise money and awareness for St. Jude patients.
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Last season, the Grizzlies guard teamed up with St. Jude and pledged to donate money for every 3-point shot he made. He said he wants to continue that initiative this year.
Kennard said "it means everything" to be part of St. Jude's fundraising. This year, he has a different perspective on why that is the case.
"Now that I'm starting my own family, it hits a little different," Kennard said. "It's a great opportunity to be involved in just a small part of what they do. I'm excited to continue my relationship with them."
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Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com . Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Luke Kennard says he always wanted to re-sign with Memphis Grizzlies
