NBA players are just weeks away from free agency, as many are still in the dark about their futures as the clock ticks down. For example, in Golden State, Klay Thompson will be off limits, as the club has yet to sign a new contract with the legendary shooting guard.
The veteran isn't the only franchise-winning Warriors player whose days may be numbered in the Bay Area, as Kevon Looney doesn't know what will happen this summer. The big man just finished his 9th campaign in the league with 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 74 games played.
This week he joined Draymond Green on his podcast and discussed his future in California. “The ball's not in my court,” Looney said. “I have no control over my future, so I have to play the waiting game, control what I can't control. I've been here my whole career. I don't know anything else.
Kevon Looney may be released by the Warriors to save money on their tax bill, with @timkawakami (
Only $3 million of Looney's $8 million salary is guaranteed until it closes on June 24.
If Looney is released, expect a lot of interest. pic.twitter.com/WDUWojDAAp
– Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 10, 2024
“You always want to finish what you started and be somewhere throughout your career, but I've been in this business long enough to know that's not true. I'm ready for anything. My family is out here, the Bay has been great for me. They treated me like family, I grew up here.”
The center told his longtime teammate that he isn't overly concerned about what he can't control, and expects to hear from the Warriors organization soon. “I haven't thought too much about it. I'm trying to see what they're going to do first before I push the envelope and see what I want to do.”
“Right now I'm focused on my game,” Kevon shared with Green. “The end of the season didn't end well for me, but I'm proud of adapting to situations and understanding things.”
The reality in Golden State is that owner Joe Lacob wants to spend as much money as possible, especially when you consider their most expensive roster failed to make the playoffs. “I have been a Warrior all my life. No matter what happens, I will always be a Hero for life. We're really just waiting to see what our organization will do,” Looney emphasized.
Looney hopes to continue to develop his attacking skills in the future, as he wishes to be a versatile option for his team.
At the press conference for the player's exit, he admitted that he has a lot to improve, especially if he wants to be seen as a versatile player for his manager. Looney explained why he wants to be more offensive minded, including working on his shot from deep.
“I got a new goal, that's my new plan,” said Kevon. “I have to be able to adapt, so I'm looking forward to that – adding to my game, getting used to this new NBA and understanding it well. I have been working hard and I feel like I will be a different player next year. That's the goal all the time.”
“I feel like I overcame my old role, so now I have to find my new role and take that next step. That's what I was focusing on. I try to focus on my game, and usually if you focus on your game and put in the work, things always go well for me,” he added.
The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract as a free agent through 2022, where he remains part of the Warriors after winning his third NBA title with the team, as well as playing in all 82 regular season games. . The upcoming third campaign is his final year.
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