Kevon Looney, a pivotal figure in the Golden State Warriors' championship runs, now finds himself navigating the uncertain waters of NBA free agency. The New Orleans Pelicans have opted not to exercise their $8 million team option on Looney, leaving the veteran center as an unrestricted free agent.
Looney's journey took a turn when he left the Warriors a year ago, signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans. However, an injury-plagued season and limited playing time-only 21 games with averages of 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 14.7 minutes-led to the Pelicans' decision to part ways. His first year in New Orleans didn't pan out as hoped, making this move by the franchise almost inevitable.
As Looney enters free agency, the market may dictate that he settles for a minimum contract. While his recent on-court contributions have been modest compared to his glory days with the Warriors, his leadership and locker room presence remain invaluable. These qualities could very well secure him another opportunity in the league, ensuring his career doesn't conclude after 11 seasons.
Drafted 30th overall by the Warriors in 2015, Looney spent a decade with the team, becoming a cherished member and an essential component during their playoff successes in 2022 and 2023. Known for his rebounding prowess, Looney's skill set remains a significant asset.
Despite his history with Golden State, a return to the Warriors seems unlikely. With Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford potentially anchoring the center position, the Warriors might prioritize younger, high-potential players like Quinten Post or Charles Bassey to fill out their roster.
Interestingly, the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks have emerged as a potential destination for Looney. The Knicks, in need of a replacement for the likely departing Mitchell Robinson, could benefit from Looney's experience. His previous collaboration with Knicks head coach Mike Brown during their tenure with the Warriors adds another layer to this potential match.
Looney's next chapter remains unwritten, but his veteran experience and championship pedigree ensure that he's still a player worth watching as teams look to bolster their rosters this offseason.
In Other News...
Warriors May Be Signaling A Real Roster Shakeup Around Steph
The Warriors are heading into free agency with more of a retooling mindset than a quiet tweak, according to reporting from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Golden State is expected to bring back Kristaps Porzingis, but the bigger picture suggests the front office is still trying to reshape the rotation around Steph Curry by looking for more help where the roster has felt thin.
There are also some important decisions hanging over the franchise as the calendar turns. Draymond Green and De'Anthony Melton both have player-option calls due by 2 p.m. PT Monday, which means the Warriors next move may not be fully clear until those situations are resolved. For a team that appears willing to be active, the coming days could tell us how aggressive this reshuffle really gets. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Kuminga's Future Just Took Another Turn Warriors Fans Will Notice
Jonathan Kumingas latest career turn is one Warriors fans will want to watch closely, because the forward is suddenly headed into free agency after a short run with Atlanta. The Hawks picked him up from Golden State at the mid-season trade deadline, then got 17 games from him before choosing a different financial path, a move that gives them more flexibility as the roster and cap picture shifts around them.
For Golden State, the development adds another layer to a trade that already carried long-term implications. Kumingas market is now open, and the ripple effects could extend beyond Atlantas ledger, especially with the Hawks clearing room to operate and the Warriors left to measure what his changing status means for their own past decision to move him. [Read more 🡒]
Draymond Greens Decision Just Raised The Stakes For Warriors Summer
Draymond Greens decision to decline his $27.7 million player option was the first real signal that Golden States offseason is going to be about more than simply keeping the band together. The move leaves him headed for free agency, but the expectation around the league is that he still ends up back with the Warriors, just on a different financial structure that gives the front office more room to maneuver.
For Golden State, that matters because every bit of flexibility can shape the rest of summer, from how aggressively it can shop in free agency to how it handles any larger roster-building ideas. Greens choice also adds a layer of timing to whatever comes next, since signing a new deal would alter how soon the Warriors could move him again, making this one of those decisions that feels simple on the surface and much more complicated underneath. [Read more 🡒]