NBA Free Agency: Kevon Looney could return as a hometown hero for the Milwaukee Bucks
By Adam McGee
Salary
Looney is an unrestricted free agent this summer thanks to a decision the Warriors already likely regret. Back in October, Golden State declined their team option for the final year of Looney’s rookie contract, which would have been valued at $2.2 million.
From there, Looney put together a stellar season, making him an important piece of the Warriors’ rotation and one of the most versatile defenders on the one of the league’s best defensive team.
With another championship secured following a playoff run which included Looney guarding stars as diverse as LeBron James, Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge and Anthony Davis, it’s safe to say the Warriors would like to bring Looney back next season. Unfortunately for them, their hands are very much tied in potential negotiations.
The Warriors aren’t permitted to offer Looney a deal greater than the $2.2 option they declined back in October, opening the door for Looney to play elsewhere next season.
In a market that will prove challenging for free agents, particularly big men, there isn’t a guarantee that Looney will field lucrative offers that comfortably surpass that mark. Considering the situation he’s coming from, the appeal of winning may also counteract some of the potential difference in salary between Golden State and elsewhere.
Judging by a conversation Looney had with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, he’s very much aware of the realities of his free agent situation and how the summer may play out as a result.
"“My agent brings it up sometimes, tells me the free-agent market changes every year. The money’s not always the same. He talks about this summer might be a slow summer money-wise. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the summer, but I’m prepared for everything.”"
Realistically, offers around the bi-annual exception would seem unlikely to offer enough to necessarily draw Looney away from Golden State, unless they offer him an incredibly appealing situation.
A hometown return with a playoff team could certainly fit that bill, but at just 22, Looney may even field more lucrative offers from young and rebuilding teams eager to add an intelligent big man with experience of winning.