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2 Golden State Warriors who increased their trade value this season

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Kevon Looney #5 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 23, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Kevon Looney #5 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 23, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Kevon Looney had another strong season with the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Kevon Looney had another strong season with the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

2 Golden State Warriors who increased their trade value this season: Kevon Looney

For the second-straight season, Kevon Looney bore the brunt of a roster lacking high-quality, reliable big men. Having played all 104 games in the Warriors’ successful 2021-22 championship campaign, Looney was supposed to be supported by former number two overall pick James Wiseman.

Yet Wiseman spent time out of the rotation, in the G League, and was ultimately traded for another guard, Gary Payton II, by early February. It left Looney and Draymond Green as the sole center options, and they both stepped up under the weight of major pressure.

Looney signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal in free agency last year, a deal that now looks incredibly team-friendly. The 27-year-old had a career-year in 2022-23, averaging highs in points (seven), rebounds (9.3), assists (2.5), field-goal percentage (63%) and minutes (23.9).

The eighth-year man solidified himself as one of the best rebounders in the league, constantly giving Golden State extra opportunities through his on the offensive glass. Looney was most valuable in the Warriors’ first-round series against the Sacramento Kings, outplaying All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis across the seven games. He averaged over 15 boards in the series and had 29 more total rebounds than Sabonis, with the Lithuanian having recorded the most league-wide during the regular season.

Next. The Top 5 Golden State Warriors with the most to prove next season. dark

Looney is one of those players that certainly holds more valuable to his own team than perhaps others, but there’s no doubt his standing has taken another jump this season. While many high-calibre centers get played off the court during the postseason, Looney’s versatility continues to shine impressively. Not that the Warriors will be including him in any trade maneuver, but if they did then he’s likely at a career-high in terms of value.

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