The Golden State Warriors’ frontcourt is finally above average.
Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks will give the Warriors a dynamic center who can impose his will on both ends of the floor when he’s active.
Could the Warriors reunite with a three-time NBA champion forward on the buyout market to assist Porzingis moving forward? Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley believes it could be a legitimate possibility for the franchise.
“On the one hand, (Kevon) Looney probably isn't thrilled with the idea of returning to the Warriors after losing playing time to Quinten Post last year,” Akeley wrote Tuesday.
“On the other hand, Looney is barely playing at all with the (New Orleans) Pelicans, and he'd likely get some run in the Bay if/when Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are out.”
“Looney has a team option for next season, which might make the Pelicans want to hold onto him to give them more options on the offseason trade market.”
Looney earned the ‘fan favorite’ title during his time with the Warriors. The 30-year-old big man could be depended upon to play to his strengths and make winning plays on both ends nightly.
Looney’s contributions resulted in three titles alongside Stephen Curry in the Bay. As Akeley noted, there’s a good chance Looney remains with the Pelicans until at least the 2026 offseason.
If the UCLA product suddenly becomes available on the buyout market, though, the Warriors could bring him back to the Bay for his second stint with the franchise as a high-level glue guy.
More NBA: Warriors urged to pair Stephen Curry with $4.1 million five-time All-Star, NBA Finals hero via buyout