The Golden State Warriors are likely parting ways with one of the members of their dynasty.
Kevon Looney, who has spent his entire nine-season career with the Dubs and was part of their championship teams in 2017, 2018, and 2022, is expected to be released from the team, marking the end of his tenure in the Bay Area.
The Warriors find themselves significantly over the salary cap, prompting the move to alleviate their luxury tax burden, according to Tim Kawakami from The Athletic.
The team paid a tax bill of around $188 million in 2023-24, which will only increase next season if they don't get their total salaries under the cap threshold.
The Warriors drafted Looney with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
The 28-year-old played sparingly in his first two title runs before becoming a significant contributor in the 2022 championship run, providing vital inside presence and rebounding.
Looney is slated to earn $8 million during the final year of his current deal in the 2024-25 season, but only $3 million is guaranteed.
Kevon Looney's contract was already a bargain
Fresh off their 2022 championship run, Looney re-signed with the Warriors on a three-year contract worth $25.5 million.
The deal was already considered one of the biggest bargains in the league, as the 6-foot-9 player has consistently performed above his pay grade.
However, the former UCLA Bruins standout regressed in both stats and playing time during the 2023-24 season, following his career-best numbers across almost all categories in 2022-23.
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