Programming note: Watch the pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Sunday morning at 11, streaming live on the MyTeams app.
In late October 2017, the Warriors declined Kevon Looney's option for the 2018-19 season.
By doing so, he became an unrestricted free agent last summer and Golden State was limited to giving him about $2.23 million.
After a breakout campaign, the belief was that he might become too expensive for the Warriors to retain. But unfortunately for Looney, he didn't receive any offers and ultimately re-signed with the Dubs for the minimum ($1.57 million).
"The NBA's going in a direction where the middle man's getting lost," Andre Iguodala explained after the Warriors' Game 3 win over the Clippers. "It's either high end or low end. You're losing the middle class.
"That's how we got DeMarcus (Cousins). And we're gonna get some people that slip to us because of those scenarios."
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Does Iguodala think Golden State will be able to bring Looney -- who will be an unrestricted free agent again in July -- back for a fifth season?
"I hope he gets paid, so I I hope he doesn't come back because I hope he gets all the money," the 2015 Finals MVP said.
Andre Iguodala on Kevon Looney this summer: "I hope he gets paid, so I hope he doesn't come back because I hope he gets all the money." pic.twitter.com/mZUI2Lm4JH— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 19, 2019
Just another classic quote from Andre, who would make a great agent when he retires from playing.
Looney had a terrific year and has been even better so far in the playoffs:
-Game 1 = six points, five rebounds, two steals, block, assist, team-best +30
-Game 2 = 19 points (career high), five rebounds
-Game 3 = 10 points, rebound, block
What an AWESOME sequence from Kevon Looney:
1) protects the rim and gets the rebound
2) sprints the floor and gets the cutting dunk pic.twitter.com/uKyNRWcIbo— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) April 19, 2019
GIVE LOONEY A MAX! pic.twitter.com/2hcYXGGKLL— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) April 19, 2019
[REWIND: How Andre Iguodala helped Kevon Looney get his career on track]
No, Looney isn't going to get a max contract. But it seems highly likely that Golden State will have to compete with other teams this summer.
It's even possible that the 23-year old receives some multi-year contract offers as well.
Fortunately for the Warriors, they aren't limited this time around in what they can give Looney on the open market.
"I'd really like to see him make some money and do really well for himself," Kerr said during training camp. "He deserves it. And hopefully that's here."