The recent scene in the Warriors’ locker room was slightly emotional. The Bay Area franchise put weeks of speculation to rest by finally acquiring Jimmy Butler in a multi-team trade deal. Unfortunately, the move cost the team Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick. Steve Kerr’s emotions at losing Wiggins reflected the mental effect that a mid-season trade could have on the team members. Therefore, even as the upcoming day marks a special occasion for one of the Warriors stars, losing his spot on the main roster worries him a bit.
Kevon Looney was amongst the players questioned after the finalization of Jimmy Butler’s acquisition. One reporter highlighted during the Q&A session that Looney is currently on an expiring contract. Amidst speculation that the Warriors are still pursuing trade deals, reports have targeted the 29-year-old as a prime candidate! When asked if this increases the player’s anxiety, he replied “Not that high, at this point. Uh, birthday tomorrow. I’m gonna think about that, and think about the game”. Though he may not indicate being too anxious, Kevon Looney is still not ruling out that he is completely safe.
“You know, it’s part of the NBA. Keep your phone close to you, but you know try to think about the positive things and be ready for whatever,” said the Center. “That means you got to move on. I’ve been here a long time, and hope I can stay here. But you know, like I said, it’s part of the business and I think at this point we all ready, you know, whatever happens.”
Initial reports listed Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II as potential acquisition targets for the Lakers. Since he is averaging 5.2 points, and 7 rebounds this season, Lonney could have assisted LeBron James and co on the defensive front. However, the Lakers have now fulfilled their defensive needs by acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. Meanwhile, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic proposed a deal that would send Looney to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their starting frontcourt with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, but a limited group of backups led by Tristan Thompson, would be a place where the Center could find his standing.
Jan 4, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Kevon Looney (5) and guard Stephen Curry (30) react after drawing a foul against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
If the opportunities are right there for the Warriors to make use of, then what is stopping them? After all, the team needs all the help it can get to prevent the Bay Area franchise from ever playing similarly as it has this season. However, if Stephen Curry’s remarks indicated anything, it was that he was satisfied with the current situation. His focus now is on where the team heads next.
Stephen Curry prioritizes championship attempt after Jimmy Butler acquisition: “We have a lot of work to do”
If reports are to be believed, then Stephen Curry and Draymond Green opposed a Jimmy Butler acquisition. According to Kevin O’Connor, this reluctance supposedly came from Butler’s problems with the Miami Heat, and also his former teams. Furthermore, the 35-year-old small forward’s acquisition did not align with the ‘desperate’ trade request Curry had told the front office to not get into. Nevertheless, Jimmy Butler is now with the Warriors. Even if Stephen Curry did not want to lose young players at the cost of an experienced veteran, the front office thought otherwise. Therefore, during the recent presser, he revealed that securing the championship is the goal that the Warriors squad should strive to attain.
“I mean the plan was to try to position ourselves to be better than we were, and have a legitimate chance to be relevant at the top of the West. We have a lot of work to do” said Curry. “It is a situation where we can hopefully close some of the gap down the stretch of this season, and get into a playoff series, roll the dice, see what happens. But like you said, knowing next year, you have a plan of what you’re trying to do and who’s going to be in the locker room to do it. So that is exciting, to have a little bit of clarity for sure.”
Oct 27, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
With Jimmy Butler at their side, do you think the Warriors can win enough games this season to secure a playoff qualifying seed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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