4 reasons re-signing Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson is a bad idea

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 28: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors helps up Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors against the Houston Rockets during the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 28: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors helps up Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors against the Houston Rockets during the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Force Kevon Looney’s hand

Potentially a prized free agent after this past postseason run, Kevon Looney will get paid this offseason. It’s unlikely that a team will toss eight figures at him, but they’ll certainly offer more than Golden State can if they max their two stars.

I’m sure Looney to some extent wants to stay in the Bay, but when another team is willing to pay triple your salary, you go. It’s that simple. Currently making just over $1.5 million, Looney will easily get $6 million from some organization.

Looney had an impressive third season, but it was the playoffs where he showcased his value. Looney averaged just 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Not elite is it? Well, he also averaged 69% shooting and 2.0 offensive boards per game and did it all in just over 20 minutes per game.

Players have been paid for far less. At just 23-years-old, Looney is starring a rather large and high-year contract in the face if he wants it. However, if he stays in Golden State, they may only be able to offer him the MLE, which should be around $5 million or a bit more.

He’s worth more, and if they attempt to sign both KD and Klay, they’ll be opening the door for Looney to leave.

Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark. Next

The Warriors will likely retain their two stars, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right move.