Two-time NBA champion would make sense for the Knicks

Kevon Looney has one year left on his current contract with the Golden State Warriors. However, that year is only partially guaranteed at $3M. As such, the Warriors could cut or trade the veteran big man as the front office looks to shed salary and drop below the luxury tax line. 

The New York Knicks may emerge as a legitimate landing spot for Looney. They're expected to lose Isaiah Hartenstein during the summer, as he is likely to receive significant contract offers from other teams around the NBA. That's why The Athletic's Fred Katz believes Looney could be the logical replacement. 

“Looney will be an option only if one of the Knicks’ most dreaded free-agent scenarios plays out," Katz wrote. "If [Isaiah] Hartenstein walks for a larger offer, especially considering New York is capped at how much it can pay the center, then the team needs a replacement. Looney could fill the void. He fits the Knicks’ vibe check. Looney is a rebounder first, one of the world’s most ferocious on the glass. He finished 10th in the NBA in offensive rebound rate this past season. He’s a physical presence down low and would arrive with championship experience, a member of three of the Warriors’ titles."

Looney would fit Tom Thibodeau's system. He would provide high-level rebounding, screening and interior scoring. His lack of a perimeter game wouldn't be a sticking point in New York. Thibodeau prefers his bigs to work in the paint on both sides of the floor. 

As a two-time NBA champion, New York could see value in adding Looney's experience to the locker room. If the Knicks can retain OG Anunoby during the offseason, they will be expected to challenge for the NBA championship next season. Jalen Brunson's emergence as a genuine star talent has expedited the franchise's development. 

Of course, the Knicks must remain healthy. A major part of their postseason collapse was the lack of available talent. Finding ways to give Thibodeau a deeper roster that he can trust will be a major focus in the summer. 

Nevertheless, if Hartenstein does leave the Knicks, they could do much worse than Looney. He's a champion. He's a veteran who plays the game the right way. Most importantly, though, he's the type of player Thibodeau trusts. 

Looney could be suiting up in Madison Square Garden next season if push comes to shove.