The basketball world is buzzing with the news that the New Orleans Pelicans are set to decline their $8 million team option on Kevon Looney for the upcoming season, sending him into the realm of unrestricted free agency. This move, reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes, might not shock many given Looney's limited role with the Pelicans this past year.
After a decade of solid play with the Golden State Warriors, where Looney became synonymous with gritty, effective basketball, he inked a two-year, $16 million deal with New Orleans. However, his first season as a Pelican saw him on the court for just 21 games, averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 14.7 minutes per game.
While those numbers might not jump off the page, Looney's ability to rebound and dish out assists on a per-minute basis remained impressive. His knack for setting strong screens and grabbing offensive boards is well-documented, even if scoring has never been his forte.
At 30, Looney still has a lot to offer, and his reputation for professionalism precedes him. This could make him an attractive option for teams on the hunt for experienced frontcourt depth. As the last pick of the first round in the 2015 draft, Looney's career has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by three championship rings with the Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans have opted to exercise their $2.3 million option on big man Karlo Matkovic, indicating their plans for the upcoming season. With Looney and Matkovic being the only players with team or player options this summer, New Orleans seems to be shaping its roster with a keen eye on the future. As Looney prepares to explore free agency, the league will be watching closely to see where this seasoned veteran lands next.
In Other News...
Pelicans Face An Offseason Squeeze They May Not Solve Easily
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One priority is a more physical center to give the front line a different look, while another is a floor-spacing wing to help a team that was among the leagues worst shooting groups. Depending on how the roster shakes out, a backup point guard could also enter the conversation, but even getting through that list of needs in free agency alone looks like a tall order for New Orleans. [Read more 🡒]
Pelicans Fans Can Probably Cross One Blockbuster Rumor Off The List
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For a fan base that has seen plenty of star speculation swirl around the roster, the more useful takeaway is where the smoke seems to be coming from. The idea of a Brown swap has been floated in plenty of places, but the Pelicans side does not sound like a serious driver of it, and there are hints that Boston's long-standing interest in Trey Murphy may be coloring the conversation more than anything New Orleans is actively trying to do. [Read more 🡒]