Milwaukee Bucks: 5 big men to target in free agency
By Adam McGee
Kevon Looney
Having returned to the Warriors on a minimum deal last summer, it seems like it’s finally time for Kevon Looney to fly the nest and take up a chance to make more money elsewhere.
As much as Golden State would love to bring back the 23-year-old, the cost of potential Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson re-signings may well prohibit it. Given the toughness Looney showed in playing well in the Finals with a broken rib, his stock may well be at an all-time high too.
That may ultimately take Looney out of the Bucks’ price range, but they certainly have a case to make here.
Looney is Milwaukee through and through. He was born and bred in the city and starred at Alexander Hamilton High School, where he earned Wisconsin Mr. Basketball honors.
To date, Looney has been to four straight Finals as a pro, picking up two NBA championship rings in the process. Returning home and signing with his hometown Bucks could allow Looney to keep that Finals streak going, while potentially picking up his most meaningful championship yet.
Across his time with the Warriors, Looney has demonstrated fantastic versatility as a defender who can guard all five positions on switches, showcased great decision-making on both ends of the floor, and an ability to finish very efficiently out of the pick-and-roll.
With more freedom there may still be more to come from him too, but as a base, Looney would be one of the best backup centers in the NBA if the Bucks were able to land him. It would undoubtedly take the room exception to pull off a deal, but there’s plenty of reasons why the Bucks shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand as a potential destination for Looney.