Kevon Looney is officially trade eligible again - and while his days with the Golden State Warriors may be behind him, the door, at least technically, is now open for a potential return. Whether that’s likely or not is another story, but after a tough start to his stint with the New Orleans Pelicans, Looney’s name could quietly re-enter the trade conversation as the deadline approaches.
Looney signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans this past offseason, marking the end of a decade-long run with the Warriors that included three NBA championships. But his new chapter in New Orleans hasn’t exactly gotten off the ground. The Pelicans have stumbled to a 5-22 record - the worst in the Western Conference - and Looney’s role has been minimal at best.
Through 12 appearances, the 29-year-old center is averaging just 2.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game. Those numbers are his lowest since his second year in the league back in 2016-17. He hasn’t seen the floor in any of the team’s last five games under interim head coach James Borrego, logging DNPs as New Orleans continues to search for answers.
It’s a stark contrast to what Looney brought to the table in Golden State - a steady, smart, and selfless big who thrived in the Warriors’ system alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. But outside of that ecosystem, Looney’s impact has been muted, and with another year left on his contract, his trade value is understandably low.
Still, that doesn’t mean he’s completely off the board. Looney could be included in a larger deal as salary filler, especially with the Pelicans expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline. Players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones are already drawing interest around the league - including from Golden State, who have reportedly kept tabs on both, particularly Murphy.
If the Warriors were to pursue a deal for one of those wings, taking back Looney’s contract could actually help balance the salaries and reduce the overall cost in terms of assets. His deal is modest by NBA standards and could be viewed as a low-risk addition for a team that knows exactly how to use him.
There’s also precedent here. It wasn’t long ago that Golden State brought back Gary Payton II at the 2023 trade deadline, just months after letting him walk in free agency. That move paid dividends, and it showed the Warriors aren’t above a reunion if the fit and timing are right.
So while the headline names in any Warriors-Pelicans trade talk will be Murphy or Jones, don’t be surprised if Looney ends up as a secondary piece. His value may have dipped, but in the right system - and with the right team - he still has something to offer.
And if that team just happens to be the one where he built his championship résumé? Well, stranger things have happened.