The 2018-19 roster for the Golden State Warriors is starting to take shape. A day after making a huge free agency splash, the Warriors have re-signed one of their own key players: Kevon Looney.
Free agent forward Kevon Looney has reached an agreement to re-sign with Golden State, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 4, 2018
It was clear that the Warriors wanted to re-sign Looney, who had something of a breakout year in 2017-18, his third season. But the team did not pick up his option last fall, which means that they could only offer him $2.2 million this offseason. After his defensive performance during the playoffs, it seemed quite possible that some team would come knocking with a bit more money.
Either that never came, or Looney really wanted to stay in Golden State, because not only did he re-sign, but he did so for the minimum.
Looney's deal is one year and at the minimum. This free agency has gone better than the Warriors could've ever hoped.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) July 4, 2018
For a while, not picking up Looney’s option looked like a really bad move. Looney established himself as a big capable of both protecting the rim, and switching onto the perimeter in the pick and roll. But all’s well that ends well for the team.
What was thought to be one of Bob Myers' recent missteps -- declining Looney's option, something he admitted regretting -- now turns into a helpful decision, saving the Warriors a chunk of tax money.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 4, 2018
Suddenly the Warriors’ frontcourt - which looked so sparse two days ago when JaVale McGee left - is looking good to go. Looney is back, along with Jordan Bell, Damian Jones, and the big catch, DeMarcus Cousins.
It’s been a great offseason for the Dubs.