The New Orleans Pelicans invested the No. 13 pick in Maryland big Derik Queen in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Pelicans also have Yves Missi, who performed well in his rookie season, on the roster, but depth at center was still a priority in New Orleans entering the free agency.
It didn’t take the Pelicans much time to address the need, and they have landed one of the best veteran backup centers on the market in Kevon Looney, a three-time NBA champion who previously played for the Golden State Warriors.
New Orleans Pelicans Agree to $16 Million Contract with Kevon Looney
Looney has spent his entire career with the Warriors and was a healthy contributor for them over the last decade, playing a vital part in the team’s three championship runs in 2017, 2018, and 2022. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in under 20 minutes per game through his career in Golden State.
Looney was a free agent this offseason and has immediately found his new home in New Orleans. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported on Monday evening that the 29-year-old had agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans, a similar amount to what he was earning with Golden State. The Pelicans need his experience more than his production as they look to groom Missi and Queen.
“Free agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Life Sports Agency CEO Todd Ramasar and the Pelicans reached a deal tonight for the three-time NBA champion who departs Golden State after 10 years,” Charania reported.
Free agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Life Sports Agency CEO Todd Ramasar and the Pelicans reached a deal tonight for the three-time NBA champion who departs Golden State after 10 years. pic.twitter.com/FAvVBa4Tk6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
Looney is a terrific rebounder, but is outmatched athletically, and that’s where Queen and Missi will cover up for him. While Missi stands at 6’11″and has already demonstrated his physical presence last season, Queen was one of the most physically imposing prospects in the entire 2025 Draft class, averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in his final season of NCAA Basketball.
With both Missi and Queen, the Pelicans have two players capable of disrupting play around the rim with their power, while Looney will continue with the bench role he occupied during the height of Golden State’s dynasty. The Pelicans will benefit greatly from his rebounding on the court and his leadership in the locker room as they look to make the playoffs in a loaded Western Conference.
Looney’s leadership will be missed in the Bay Area, but head coach Steve Kerr leaned on 2023 second-round pick Trayce Jackson-Davis in the frontcourt last year. The veteran was reduced to just 15 minutes per game, but he still managed 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks.
