A three-time NBA champion is anticipated to be released by the Golden State Warriors in the upcoming weeks.
The Golden State Warriors face critical decisions regarding several key players as June approaches, a pivotal month for the franchise’s future. One such player is Kevon Looney, who, after a lackluster season where rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis took his spot, faces an uncertain future following nine years with the team.
According to The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, veteran center Kevon Looney may be nearing his final weeks with the Warriors. Looney’s contract for next season is worth $8 million, but only $3 million is guaranteed. June 24 is a crucial date for the Warriors, as they must decide whether to guarantee the remaining $5 million of his deal.
Given their hefty payroll and desire to avoid the second tax apron, the Warriors might be hesitant to pay $8 million for a backup center next season. Kawakami, speaking on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast, expressed his belief that the Warriors will likely cut Looney by June 24.
“I think the likeliest situation is that he’s cut, he makes $3 million from them, and he’s off looking for another spot. There will be another spot for him in this league. Teams are going to want him, again for a very low number, but they’re going to want him.” – Tim Kawakami
Looney started 150 of 164 regular-season games over the previous two years but lost his starting role and rotation spot in the latter half of the season. He averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 16.1 minutes per game, all significantly down from his career-best season in 2022-23.
Even if his contract is guaranteed, Looney might still leave the Warriors, as Kawakami suggests a potential trade could follow shortly after June 24. Kawakami mentioned the 2023 champion Denver Nuggets as a possible destination, where Looney could replace DeAndre Jordan as Nikola Jokić’s backup. The San Antonio Spurs could also be a potential landing spot, with Looney serving as a mentor to Victor Wembanyama.
While it’s hard for many to picture Klay Thompson in a different jersey next season, seeing Looney with a rival team might be equally strange, given the legacy he has built with the Warriors both on and off the court over nearly a decade.
