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The recent blockbuster acquisition of D'Angelo Russell through a sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets for the departing Kevin Durant likely renders the Golden State Warriors unable to re-sign trusty big man Kevon Looney, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic.
The Warriors had every intention of keeping Looney around, much like they did with other bench cogs, but the four-year, $117 million deal doled out to Russell has several salary cap implications.
Golden State was forced to part ways with longtime veteran Andre Iguodala in the midst of this trade to allocate room for Russell's signing, putting the organization at the very limit.
Yet Iguodala and Looney may not be the only victims of this Russell move, as Nate Duncan pointed out the same fate could be tendered to DeMarcus Cousins, Quinn Cook and possibly Jordan Bell, who was extended a qualifying offer only a few hours before the Warriors swung a deal for Russell.
Golden State will be a mere $18.2 million below the hard cap after dumping Iguodala's contract to the Memphis Grizzlies and ultimately dumping Shaun Livingston's contract as well, but nine roster spots may still have to be filled depending on what happens with Shabazz Napier, Treveon Graham and Alfonzo McKinnie.
As it stands, the Warriors would have to replace the aforementioned with players willing to sign for the veteran's minimum, even if they were to keep Napier, Graham and McKinnie for next season.
The Warriors' lust for All-Star-level talent has truly put the organization in quite a concerning position, as every dollar spent now will see a massive impact with the luxury tax.
