Pelicans Add Kevon Looney to Bolster Frontcourt Depth

In a significant shift within the NBA landscape, veteran center Kevon Looney is set to don the colors of the New Orleans Pelicans after a commendable nine-season stint with the Golden State Warriors. The 28-year-old has officially signed a two-year contract valued at $16 million, a move first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN and later confirmed by hoopswire.com.

Looney’s departure from the Warriors marks the end of an era for the franchise, where he played an integral role in multiple championship runs. Known for his resilience and defensive acumen, Looney consistently demonstrated his worth on the court, participating in at least 74 games each season over the last four years. In the recently concluded 2024-25 NBA season, he made 76 appearances, averaging 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just 15 minutes per game.

As he transitions to New Orleans, Looney is expected to provide invaluable experience and stability to a Pelicans frontcourt that features notable talents such as Zion Williamson, Yves Missi, the promising rookie Derik Queen, and defensive stalwart Herbert Jones. This blend of youth and experience could be key for New Orleans as they aim to ascend in the competitive Western Conference.

Looney’s arrival is particularly timely as the Pelicans look to solidify their roster following a season that saw flashes of potential but ultimately fell short of playoff aspirations. His ability to excel in a supportive role will be crucial for a team eager to make a deeper postseason push. The Pelicans are banking on Looney’s toughness and versatility to enhance their defensive strategies and provide a reliable presence in the paint.

Originally drafted in the late first round of the 2015 NBA Draft, Looney has played all 597 of his regular-season games with the Warriors, becoming a fan favorite and a key figure in their modern success. His journey from a promising rookie to a seasoned contributor underscores the depth of his skill set and commitment to the game.

As reported by hoopswire.com, Looney’s offensive contributions may have dipped with the emergence of younger talent like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post last season, but his defensive skills and understanding of team dynamics remain as strong as ever. His experience in high-pressure situations will undoubtedly benefit the Pelicans, who are looking to solidify their identity in a league that increasingly values versatile big men.

With this strategic acquisition, New Orleans aims to bolster its chances for success in the upcoming season, seeking to combine Looney’s championship pedigree with the explosive talent of their current roster. The Pelicans hope that Looney’s presence will be a catalyst for growth as they embark on their quest for postseason prominence.