2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Kevon Looney: 3 years, $15 million (Golden State Warriors)
Sources: Free agent Kevon Looney has agreed to a three-year, $15M deal to return to Golden State.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019
With both Kevon Looney and DeMarcus Cousins hitting unrestricted free agency, the Golden State Warriors were staring down the barrel of a gun when it came to their center spot. Kevin Durant was already gone, and after losing him to free agency and Klay Thompson to an ACL tear that will keep him sidelined until around the All-Star break, the luster of this dynasty was wearing off.
The D’Angelo Russell sign-and-trade was a bold attempt to try and restore some of its sheen, but ultimately, D-Lo’s fit is a questionable one. Luckily, general manager Bob Myers made a much safer move to complement it by bringing back Kevon Looney on a terrific value deal.
At only $5 million a season, the Warriors are addressing their starting center job with a reliable big man who honestly should’ve gotten a better deal last year. He played through the Finals injured, but was still indispensable when he was on the floor for his defense. The Dubs need him to take a step forward from the 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game he averaged, but the 23-year-old has all the makings of one of the best bargains in the league among those playing for a contender.
Grade: A-