[mm-video type=video id=01f8qjq1zzr6tdhpk9q7 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f8qjq1zzr6tdhpk9q7/01f8qjq1zzr6tdhpk9q7-cadd68cca36a452449a99d7adbac3cd0.jpg]
Before the NBA Finals end and the free agency period opens up, the Golden State Warriors will reportedly be getting some reinforcements for the 2021-22 season.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Kevon Looney will exercise his $5.1 million option to return to the Bay Area next season. Following the 2021-22 season, the 25-year-old center is slated to become a free agent.
Via @wojespn on Twitter:
Kevon Looney is exercising his $5.1M option to return to the Golden State Warriors next season, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2021
Looney has spent all six seasons of his career with the Warriors since being drafted by Bob Myers with the No. 30 overall pick in the first round out of UCLA.
The 6-foot-9 center split time with 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman, starting 34 of 61 games for the Warriors last season. Looney averaged 4.1 points on 54.8% shooting from the field with 5.3 rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes per contest.
In a victory against the Philadelphia 76ers in April, Loony tallied a team-high 15 boards to go along with five points and an assist for the Warriors.
While Wiseman dealt with injuries during his rookie season, Looney provided a steady presence alongside Draymond Green in Golden State’s frontcourt. His return to the lineup will give the Warriors a level of consistency to pair with Wiseman heading into the 2020-21 season.
If the Warriors can jump back into the playoff race next season, Steve Kerr will have a veteran with proven postseason experience he can lean on next to their young sophomore center.
With Looney set to return, the Warriors can now focus their attention on the upcoming NBA draft and free agency.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=38061,38071,38041]
[vertical-gallery id=37852]