LOS ANGELES – Aware that coach Steve Kerr one day earlier urged the Warriors to offer him a long-term contract, Kevon Looney paused and broke into a broad grin at the mention of it Saturday.
"Yeah, I heard what he said," Looney said. "It's good to have that kind of support from the coach. I hope it works out."
Kerr made it clear Friday that he was glad Looney did not leave upon becoming a free agent last summer, adding that he feels the 23-year-old center/forward had done enough to earn a long-term deal – and that he hopes it's with the Warriors.
So does Looney, who has become a staple of the team's playing rotation.
"I'd love to stay here," he said. "I like being on this team. I want to be there when Chase Center opens later this year."
Looney is earning $1.57 million this season. The valuable backup becomes an unrestricted free agent in July, the second consecutive summer he will hit the market.
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This time, however, the Warriors have his Bird rights on Looney, giving them considerable financial flexibility to pursue a new contract.
"For two years now, he has been a rock for us," Kerr said Saturday morning. "So when I mentioned that (Friday), yeah, I really hope that's here. I want him to be here for a long time. I think everybody in this locker room wants Loon to be rewarded for his effort."
