After 10 years with the franchise, Kevon Looney never received a contract offer from the Warriors as a free agent this past summer, according to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.
As Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle explains, the 29-year-old big man wanted to stay with the only NBA team he’d ever played for, but the Warriors were in a holding pattern until Jonathan Kuminga‘s restricted free agency was resolved. With a two-year, $16MM offer in hand from the Pelicans, Looney knew he had to make a decision, but the choice wasn’t as easy as it might seem.
“You want to be somewhere forever … but you never know in the NBA. Business is business,” Looney told Gordon. “… It’s bittersweet. I’ve got an opportunity to go somewhere and experience something new, but leaving somewhere that I call home, it was something that was tough, and that I really had to think about.”
Looney was a healthy scratch when the Warriors traveled to New Orleans earlier this month. On Saturday, he returns to Golden State as an opponent for the first time — and the three-time champion knows he’ll receive a warm reception.
“The Warriors always do it top class,” Looney said, per Gordon. “But as far as emotions. I don’t know what to expect. I’m always asked if I’m going to cry. I’m like, ‘No I don’t think so,’ but I don’t know. We’ll see when I get there.”
Looney’s on-court production has been limited this season with the Pelicans — he has averaged just 2.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game. However, the Warriors miss his leadership, rebounding, toughness, and “bone-crushing screens,” Thompson writes. For his part, Looney tells Gordon the Bay Area will “always be home for me.”
“The love they showed me, the family-oriented vibe of the Bay is something I’ve always been based off of. … For them to love me as one of their own is something I’ll always respect,” he said.
Mitch Robinson to >>>> Pelicans ….
Looney and Bey to >>>> Knicks ….
Ah yes I’m sure the Pels are desperate to trade one of their only shooters for a slight upgrade to Yves Missi.
Mitch is from NO. Missi is still growing as a player. Mitch is a solid vet they can resign at a reasonable price. Depth is the most important asset for any team. Missi just turned 21. In his second yr.
Yeah and none of that has anything to do with why they wouldn’t give up Saddiq Bey on a team otherwise using Zion and Queen in the front court. They need more shooting, not less.
Personally I don’t believe in Zion. Imo Dumars will eventually move him. Cause Queen is a better fit.
But lets talk Bey. He is a nice piece for them. But his stats say he is an ok shooter. He avg 28 mins and 12.4 pts a game. His contract is up next yr. Looney has a TO next yr. Both are expandable especially if they move Zion. With Fears, Queen its best to go young. Mitch is a mentor and helps solidify their D. A big weakness for them. He also can mentor Missi. Mitch turns 28 in April a local hero. Who Can help them grow as a team. A real rim protector is more valuable than most people think. Missi isn’t ready to play major mins. This way he can be developed the right way. I would give a 2nd rd no more.
Smart teams don’t commit big contracts or trade assets when rebuilding, not saying NO is a smart team but
It was sad to see him go. He was a workhorse when healthy. But, the NBA is a business. After being woeful on offense last season, they needed more production out of the Center position. He has also lost a step. I think he could be great for the young Pelican bigs. I think he could make a great coach some day.
He’s never been a center to me. I would play him with Towns. Only as a 4. I think he can work with Towns. Better fit than Mitch. 16-20 mins a game.
For all the hate that gets directed at the Bay Area, read Loon’s last paragraph. Brate Loon!
Per Looney, the last straw was in the playoffs/facing the Rockets with Steve Adams on the court. Kerr opted for small ball and after the season ended a perplexed Looney, in an interview, said “Perfect matchup, and after all of these years you either trust me or you don’t.” Then the W’s didn’t offer, or promise to offer during the Kuminga drama, a contract…
That’s BS. Pelicans offered him triple what the Warriors were offering. He took the money and that’s understandable. Good for him he’s earned it.
He had a great run with the Warriors and they probably don’t win if he’s not doing what he does. Very unselfish player. Excellent offensive rebounder and that takes hustle.
Google it Looney said it himself
Of course he said it.., no one is saying that he didn’t “say it” but it’s still BS.
Warriors offered a third what the pelicans did. He took the money.
Google that.
Fk it… bring both Looney and Klay back when they get bought out! Mind as well for the old time sake…
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Google it. Looney said it himself
Looney wants he and Klay Thompson to come back to the Warriors?
OK if you are stating that he said it, I believe you.
Leave Klay where he is…
Might be traded back to the Warriors at the deadline along with Trey Murphy in exchange for Kuminga, Moody and picks. Warriors need a POA defender who can shoot.
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