Warriors Rumors: Kevon Looney Contacted After Free Agency Opened

The Warriors are hoping to keep Kevon Looney in Golden State.

According to Mark Medina of the Bay Area News Group, the team "contacted Looney shortly after free agency began on Saturday to express interest in retaining him."

But according to that report, "Just as the Warriors had feared after declining to make his $2.3 million contract for next season guaranteed, Looney is expected to field interest elsewhere."

Looney, 22, averaged 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Warriors last season, providing the team depth on the interior. He got better as the season wore on, averaging 6.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 19 games after the All-Star break.

He also started five games for the team in its postseason run, as the Warriors won their third title in the past four years.

As Medina wrote: "Looney would like to return to the Warriors because of the team's championship culture, and how he has developed under coach Steve Kerr and his All-Star teammates. The Warriors would like Looney to return because of his defense, work ethic and knowledge of NBA personnel."

The Warriors will only be able to keep him at $2.3 million per year, however—a number other teams may be willing to top. On the market, Looney should be able to secure more long-term security, though he'd be leaving a perfect on-court situation in Golden State.