The Detroit Pistons have not been shy about their interest in potentially making a deal at the Feb. 6 trade deadline. It appears guard Luke Kennard could be on the radar of the Phoenix Suns.
According to ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons are currently negotiating a deal that could send Kennard to the Suns in exchange for a first-round pick.
Detroit and Phoenix are discussing a deal centered on guard Luke Kennard, league sources tell ESPN. Suns' first-round pick is in play. Kennard has missed 22 straight games with bilateral knee tendinitis.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2020
In a follow-up tweet, Woj mentioned that a possible package gaining traction in talks include Jevon Carter, Elie Okobo and a first-round pick, The Suns view Kennard as someone who could complement Devin Booker, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Ricky Rubio as a floor spacer, so they are determined to make a deal work.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding Kennard's uncertain future. Although he has shown plenty of promise after being taken with the No. 12 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Detroit is on the cusp of ushering in a significant rebuild and may be looking to shore up assets for it while they still can.
The interest in Kennard from Phoenix is certainly understandable. They have long been in desperate need of some more firepower alongside Booker. With that said, it is safe to say that the former Duke product may be able to oblige.
Prior to his injury, Luke Kennard was in the midst of a career year, averaging 15.8 points and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 39.9 percent from deep. His reputation as a consistent 40 percent shooter from downtown and improved playmaking ability could make him an ideal fit for a Suns team that is in need of both.
It will be interesting to see if Phoenix is ultimately willing to part ways with a first-rounder in exchange for Kennard. Besides, they are currently outside the playoff picture and their chances of making it to the postseason don't look great.
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