BREAKING NEWS: Key Member of Warriors Dynasty Core Linked to Knicks
According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz, Kevon Looney, a crucial component of the Golden State Warriors’ previous three championship seasons, may sign with the New York Knicks this offseason if they cut him go.
“Only if one of the Knicks’ most dreaded free-agent scenarios comes to pass would Looney be a possibility. The team will need a replacement if [Isaiah] Hartenstein leaves for a better offer, especially since New York’s ability to pay the center is limited. Looney may take over.
His vibe checks out for the Knicks. Looney is a fierce rebounder who is among the best in the world when it comes to the glass. This past season, he ranked 10th in the NBA in terms of offensive rebound rate. As a player of three Warriors championships, he would bring championship experience to the table and is a physical presence on the low end, Katz wrote on June 11.
If Looney reaches the open market and the Knicks offer him the playing time he had lost this season with the Warriors, they may contract him with their midlevel exception.
Looney lost his regular rotation place to rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, raising questions about his future in the Bay Area.
At 290 games played, he broke his record during this season’s March 8 defeat to the Chicago Bulls. In eight of the last 21 games for the Warriors, he was given a DNP (did not play).
Looney played a four-year low of 16.1 minutes per game this season, averaging 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
Kevon Looney Likely to Get Cut
Of Looney’s $8 million contract for the upcoming season, just $3 million are certain. It’s possible that being moved out of the starting lineup marked the end of his career with the Warriors.
“I believe the most likely scenario is that he gets cut, gets paid $3 million by them, and goes looking for another place,” Tim Kawakami of The Athletic stated on the June 6 episode of the podcast “Warriors Plus Minus.”
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors looked at dealing for a new center before the February trade deadline. This was about the same time when Looney’s playing time decreased after Draymond Green returned from his second suspension.
The center market has been investigated by the Warriors. Is it possible to get Wendell Carter Jr. from the Orlando Magic? Clint Capela of Atlanta is apparently available. Is Nic Claxton of Brooklyn worth the cost to get him and the contract he would fetch this summer as a free agent?
‘The Ball Isn’t in My Court’
Looney is in a wait-and-see mentality, trying to stay with the team that picked him but ready for the worst. His future is uncertain.
On June 9, Looney claimed on “Draymond Green Show” that “the ball isn’t in my court.” I kind of have to play the waiting game and control what I can control since I don’t have complete control over my future. My entire career, I have been here. I have no further knowledge. Throughout your career, you always want to finish what you began and go someplace, but I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that’s not possible. I’m getting ready for anything. I love the Bay, and my family is out here. They are like family to me; I’m grown up
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