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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
Looney had his best years with the Warriors from 2017-2019. In the '17-'18 season, Looney averaged just under 13 minutes per game, but that ramped up to over 17 minutes per game in the playoffs, and outplayed some of their other options at center (not counting Draymond Green). However, as those centers were Jordan Bell and Damian Jones, the options were pretty limited. In '18-'19, Looney averaged just under 18 minutes per game and played 80 games, and his minutes went to over 20 per game in the playoffs.
However, Looney missed most of the '19-'20 season due to injuries, and doesn't look to be back to where he was a couple years ago physically. Looney won't wow you on either end, but he plays within himself and has earned some trust from Steve Kerr. He really doesn't have much scoring game, but he at least doesn't take bad shots. He's not very quick laterally, but tries hard on defense and generally knows where to be.
Looney is unlikely to opt out this summer, as I don't think he would get much more than the minimum on an open market. If he does opt out, we'll likely know before free agency starts that he has a better offer, or a longer offer at a similar value.
Cap Considerations
Looney has a $5.4 million player option for next season, and if he declines that option he will be an unrestricted free agent with a $9.5 million cap hold and full Bird Rights. Since the Warriors will be operating over the salary cap, they will retain Looney's Bird rights, and have no restrictions on re-signing him. However, the luxury tax will certainly be a concern, as re-signing Looney could cost them a lot of money in luxury tax penalties.
Therefore, other teams will have a legitimate shot at signing Looney away from Golden State. Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Looney as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer, Taxpayer, or possibly even the Room Mid-Level Exceptions to sign him.
Potential Teams: Warriors, Wizards, Raptors, Hornets, Cavaliers
Predicted Contract: Opt-In: $5.4 million
If opt out: 2-year, $11 million with the Wizards.
Actual Contract: Opt-In: $5.4 million
Looney had one of the easier player options decisions, and opted in as expected.
Last updated: 7/31/2021
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