In an effort to shore up its backcourt rotation, the Phoenix Suns could be looking to acquire Detroit guard Luke Kennard. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Suns’ first-round pick, Elie Okobo and Jevon Carter are in play, though what protections might be placed on that pick are unknown.
Per Wojnarowski, the teams have gained traction in the trade talks, but no agreement is in place and the sides are expected to talk again Tuesday. Also worth noting is that the Suns’ vice president of basketball operations is Jeff Bower. He was the GM of the Pistons from 2014-18 and was in place when the Pistons selected Kennard with the No. 12 pick in the 2017 Draft.
A third-year player, Kennard is eligible for a rookie scale contract extension this summer. Per the Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis and Marlowe Alter, Kennard’s name was also tied to trade discussions with the New York Knicks as well.
Okobo was the first pick in the second round in 2018. The 22-year-old is averaging 4.2 points and 2.1 assists in 12.5 minutes per game in 39 games. Carter was taken a pick after Okobo in 2018 and is averaging 1.4 apg in 13.8 mpg in 34 games this season.
Kennard is averaging career highs in points (15.8), rebounds (3.5) and assists (4.1) but has not played since Dec. 21 due to bilateral knee tendinitis. Despite the injury, he has made 73 3-pointers and is on a good pace to break his career high of 106 made 3-pointers last season.
