What Kevon Looney exercising Warriors contract option means

Kevon Looney just completed his sixth season with the Warriors.

And all signs point to the 25-year-old making it seven in 2021-22.

Looney is going to exercise his $5.2 million player option, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

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So what does this mean for Golden State?

For one, Steve Kerr must be thrilled about this news because you won't find a bigger fan of Looney in the entire organization.

Steve Kerr: "Looney's just rock solid. He's always making the right screen, the right pass, the right box out. He has a great feel for the game. Some see it and some don't. It's never gonna show up in the box score. He just seems to make the group whole when he's out there."
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) January 26, 2021

Furthermore, it's possible that the Warriors go into next season with Looney as the starting center. This is especially true when you remember that James Wiseman is rehabbing following knee surgery and might not be full-go when training camp opens in late September.

Looney knows how to play alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, and has the full trust of the coaching staff.

The seasoned vet knows his role and plays to his strengths.

Steph Curry on how helpful Kevon Looney's screening is to the Warriors' offense: "There's an art and a science to it. There's a chemistry to it. You have to go through the reps to understand what it's like. Loon has been there."
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) January 26, 2021

Looney's place on the depth chart obviously could change depending on what happens with the draft and free agency.

And it's important to note that if the Warriors strike a blockbuster trade this summer, Looney could be included in the transaction for salary-matching purposes.