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After impressing the Warriors all season with his consistent play and durability, Kevon Looney heard some comforting words about his future.

The Warriors contacted Looney shortly after free agency began on Saturday to express interest in retaining him, league sources told Bay Area News Group. But just as the Warriors had feared after declining to make his $2.3 million contract for next season guaranteed, Looney is expected to field interest elsewhere.

The Warriors and Looney would both like to extend their partnership together after the third-year, 22-year-old forward achieved a potential turning point in his young NBA career. After playing only a combined 58 games through his first two seasons because of overlapping hip injuries that required surgery, Looney posted career-highs in points (4.4), shooting percentage (58.0), rebounds (3.3), minutes (13.8) and games played (66). But Looney had missed only one game attributed to an ailment (flu-like symptoms).

Yet, both the Warriors and Looney have their own reasons for possibly parting ways.

The Warriors can only pay Looney up to $2.3 million per year, while Looney would like to entertain what offers he might receive elsewhere. Looney would like to return to the Warriors because of the team’s championship culture, and how he has developed under coach Steve Kerr and his All-Star teammates. The Warriors would like Looney to return because of his defense, work ethic and knowledge of NBA personnel. While the Warriors hope he does not attract too much outside interest because of his limited offensive game, the 22-year-old Looney would like long-term security and a chance to grow his role.

“They always tell me if somebody comes and gives me a better offer, you should take it. But this is a team where it’s all about winning,” Looney told Bay Area News Group in April. “I’d love to be here and be a part of this. It’s something to think about, for sure.”

The Warriors can sign a player using their tax-payer mid-level exception ($5.3 million), though Looney would not be even contractually qualified to receive it. The Warriors, which have a total of six pending free agents, will also seek players who are willing to sign veteran’s minimum contracts.