NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors’ Kevon Looney Interested Knicks, More During Offseason

As the Golden State Warriors made several moves to improve their roster this offseason, a handful of teams were trying to land a key member of their squad.

Per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies were all interested in a trade for big man Kevon Looney early in the offseason.

According to Scotto, all three teams ultimately “pivoted in other directions” and Looney remained in Golden State.

Looney, who was a first-round draft pick in 2015, has spent his entire 10-year career with the Warriors. He has been a member of three championship teams, serving a key role in the team’s 2022 title win over the Boston Celtics.

In 2021-22 and 2022-23, Looney spent most of his time as the starter after coming off the bench his entire career. He had the best year of his career during the 2022-23 season, averaging seven points and 9.3 boards per game.

Looney reverted back to more of a bench role last season and has continued to come off the bench this year with second-year player Trayce Jackson-Davis serving as the starter. Looney is averaging 5.5 points and a team-best 7.6 rebounds per game this year.

While the Warriors perhaps could have gotten a solid return for Looney, the decision to keep him might have paid off with the way things have gone thus far. Golden State started the year 12-3, though it has since fallen to 12-7 after a four-game losing skid.

The Warriors are trying to compete for a title after missing the playoffs last year and seem to be capable of doing so early on this year. Star Stephen Curry has been his usual self while new addition Buddy Hield has helped ease the burden of losing Klay Thompson over the offseason.

Looney has also continued to play his role well.