The Golden State Warriors shook things up after a second-round playoff exit. Jordan Poole was sent to Washington (subscription required) for Chris Paul, and the Dubs exited their two-timeline plan. It is all-in on winning next season, but can they get CP3 to fit into their system? Paul may come off the bench for the first time in his career and be asked to play a different role.
The Warriors are over the second tax apron, but willing to shake things up at the deadline if they are not title contenders. Stephen Curry will give Golden State a shot, but do the Dubs have enough talent around him to win it all? Plugging holes won’t be easy, but they will attempt it.
No way the Warriors are trading Curry, but who else belongs on that list? Winning four championships in nine years earns respect and keeps multiple pieces of those runs away from the block. New general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is taking calls, but who is off limits in trade talks?
Untouchable Golden State Warriors not named Stephen Curry
4. Kevon Looney
Looney may be a surprise inclusion to some, especially after the 6’9 big man played a career-high 23.9 minutes per game last season. He has been the team’s primary starter in each of the last two years, but the 27-year-old earns his untouchable status for being a worker and asset whenever called upon. Steve Kerr called him a “coach’s dream” during the 2023 playoffs, and Loon is vital to the team’s success.
The Warriors starting five of Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Looney only appeared in 27 regular season games last season, but finished with a 21.9 net rating over 331 minutes and a 20.9 net rating over 82 minutes in the playoffs. It is an elite group that coach Kerr may lean on more as they look to compete for another championship.
Looney’s a massive part of the team away from the court and an underrated center. He averaged 7.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game last season. The 6’9 big man is an elite rebounder and playmaking at the five that continues to improve.
He is under contract at $7.5 million for this season and a partially guaranteed $8 million in 2024-25. Expect the Golden State Warriors to make Kevon Looney untouchable as they attempt to make another run.
