Warriors center Kevon Looney is accustomed to the swirling trade rumors that accompany the NBA trade deadline, especially regarding his own future. As the February 6 deadline approaches, Looney and his teammates are committed to staying focused on improving their performance, despite the distractions.
“It’s not easy always seeing your name in various trade discussions, but it’s part of being professional. Our job is to drown out that noise as much as possible and focus on winning games,” Looney explained after practice. He emphasized that while the trade speculation can be difficult, his experience in the league has equipped him to handle the situation. “You learn to carry on as if you’re going to be here, and that’s how I approach it.”
The Warriors find themselves at a .500 record following a challenging loss to the Phoenix Suns, and players like Looney are often mentioned alongside teammates Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II in potential trade talks. Head Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the pressure players face during this tumultuous time, especially with the added complexities of family considerations.
“Guys are reading their names in potential trades, and they’ve got families to think about,” Kerr noted. He portrayed the trade deadline as a particularly intense period for players, especially for a team like the Warriors that is struggling for consistency. The team’s performance has fluctuated this season, with the recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder followed by a poor showing against the Suns highlighting these ups and downs.
As the Warriors grapple with their current .500 record and hold the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference, they remain actively engaged in discussions about enhancing the roster, potentially considering trades involving prominent players like Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, or Nikola Vučević. Despite these rumors, Looney stressed the importance of continuous improvement on the court.
“We’re focused on building our habits and learning from our mistakes,” he said. “We need to develop consistency in our performances to compete at a higher level.”
With the trade deadline looming and several crucial games ahead, the Warriors’ ability to navigate distractions while striving for consistency will be vital for their chances of success this season. The team’s genuine focus on development and resilience signals a hopeful path forward amidst uncertainty.