Warriors reportedly expected to release beloved 3-time champion

Oct 30, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; T-shirts depicting a map of the bay area and the new bay bridge Golden State Warriors logo at Oracle Arena before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors could soon be parting ways with one of their most trusted company men.

Tim Kawamaki of The Mercury News reported this week on the “Warriors Plus Minus” podcast that Golden State is expected to release veteran big man Kevon Looney this offseason.

“I think the likeliest situation is that he’s cut and he makes $3 million from them, and he’s off looking for another spot,” said Kawakami of Looney, per Sports Illustrated. “There will be another spot for him in this league. Teams are going to want him, again for a very low number, but they are going to want him.”

Looney, 28, is a lifelong Warrior who featured on three of their four NBA championship teams of the last decade (2017, 2018, and 2022). He became a fan favorite with his high motor, strong rebounding, and defensive length, all of which were critical to Golden State’s success. But Looney has battled through a number of injuries in recent years that have largely sapped his effectiveness, and he averaged an underwhelming 4.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season.

For the 2024-25 campaign, Looney is under contract for $8 million, but only $3 million salary of that is guaranteed. With Trayce Jackson-Davis (24) and Jonathan Kuminga (21) clamoring for more minutes in the frontcourt, the right business move for the Warriors might indeed be to waive Looney to save some money. They are a second-apron luxury tax team and have another big name that is a cut candidate this offseason as well.