🏀 Kevon Looney Pelicans Deal: 2-Year, $16M Agreement Adds Veteran Depth to New Orleans
🔁 Longtime Warrior Joins New Orleans in Key Offseason Move
The Kevon Looney Pelicans deal was finalized on Monday, with the veteran center agreeing to a two-year, $16 million contract. Looney, 29, leaves the Golden State Warriors after a 10-year career that included three NBA championships and a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable glue guys.
He now brings that experience to the New Orleans Pelicans, who continue to build around young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
📊 Kevon Looney’s Warriors Legacy and Role
Drafted 30th overall by Golden State in 2015, Looney quietly became a foundational piece in the Warriors’ dynasty:
- 🏆 3× NBA Champion (2017, 2018, 2022)
- 🎯 Top 10 in Offensive Rebounding % (2024–25 season)
- 📈 Ranked Top 5 in off-ball screens set per 100 possessions
- 🧠 Known for his IQ, positioning, and unselfish play
Though never a stat-sheet stuffer, his ability to set hard screens, battle on the boards, and anchor second units made him vital to Golden State’s system.
🔍 What Looney Brings to the Pelicans
💪 Rebounding and Interior Defense
Looney averaged 6.1 rebounds in just 20.2 minutes per game last season. His offensive rebounding skills will be especially valuable to a Pelicans team that ranked middle-of-the-pack in second-chance points.
🛡️ Veteran Presence in the Locker Room
With 10 years of championship culture under his belt, Looney is expected to bring leadership, discipline, and championship habits to a relatively young New Orleans roster.
🧱 Screen Setting and Ball Movement
Looney ranked among the NBA’s elite in off-ball screens, a skill critical in freeing up shooters like CJ McCollum and spacing for Zion’s drives.
💸 Contract Details: Kevon Looney’s New Orleans Salary Breakdown
- 📝 Deal: 2 years, $16 million
- 📅 Type: Unrestricted Free Agent Signing
- 💼 Previous contract: 3 years, $22.5 million with the Warriors
This new deal gives the Pelicans a reliable big at a reasonable price, preserving cap flexibility while adding experience and depth.
🔄 Why the Warriors Let Looney Walk
After a disappointing 2024–25 campaign and looming cap concerns, the Warriors were forced to make tough decisions. While Looney’s departure ends a decade-long chapter, it signals a transition to a younger core alongside Curry and Draymond.
Golden State will now likely turn to Trayce Jackson-Davis and other internal options to fill Looney’s minutes.
📣 What They’re Saying
🗣️ Shams Charania (via ESPN)
“Kevon Looney has agreed to a 2-year, $16M deal with the Pelicans. Veteran big brings winning DNA to New Orleans.”
🗣️ Pelicans Fan Reactions:
- “Underrated pickup. Guy does all the little things.”
- “Perfect mentor for our frontcourt.”
- “Championship pedigree for our locker room!”
🧠 FAQs – Kevon Looney Pelicans Deal
❓ How much is Kevon Looney’s contract with the Pelicans?
He signed a 2-year, $16 million deal.
❓ How many seasons did Looney play with the Warriors?
10 seasons, from 2015 to 2025.
❓ What is Kevon Looney’s role likely to be in New Orleans?
A rebounding specialist, screen-setter, and veteran leader off the bench.
❓ Why did the Warriors not re-sign Looney?
Salary cap constraints and a desire to invest in younger talent led to the decision.
🏁 Final Take
The Kevon Looney Pelicans deal may not dominate headlines, but it’s a classic smart move — adding a championship-tested veteran who makes winning plays. For a team looking to break into the upper tier of the Western Conference, Looney’s presence could be invaluable.
He won’t light up the scoreboard, but he might just help the Pelicans take the next step.
