NBA Free Agency 2018: Clippers Have Had Discussions With Kevon Looney

According to Brad Turner of the L.A. Times, the Clippers have had preliminary discussions with Golden State Warriors free agent Kevon Looney, but no deal is imminent:

Looney is a 6’9” modern PF/C who was solid but unremarkable in a backup role for the Warriors last season, averaging 4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game last season. His per-minute averages aren’t great, he’s never shown capability to be good in a large sample size, and most of his production has come on the fringes of an all-time great team—a situation where even JaVale McGee has been hyper-productive.

However, there’s a certain extent to which Looney may be an upside play. The Clippers have an advantage over other teams in the scouting department, as consultant Jerry West previously worked for the Warriors when Looney was drafted, and during his first two seasons in Golden State. Additionally, Looney is a rare first-round draft pick who will hit unrestricted free agency at 22 years old, as the Warriors declined his fourth-year option ahead of last season.

It’s tough to see where Looney fits on the Clippers, though. As long as the Clippers are able to retain Montrezl Harrell in restricted free agency, the backup center spot seems to be filled, and Looney doesn’t stretch the floor enough to be an optimal fit alongside Montrezl on the second unit.