Pelicans Expected to Decline Kevon Looney Option as Veteran Eyes Free Agency

The New Orleans Pelicans appear ready to make one of their first significant offseason decisions by moving on from veteran center Kevon Looney. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the organization is expected to decline its $8 million team option on the three-time NBA champion, a move that would send him into unrestricted free agency.

The expected decision comes after another disappointing season for New Orleans, which has entered the offseason looking to reshape its roster. By declining Looney’s option, the Pelicans would gain additional financial flexibility as they prepare to pursue upgrades during free agency.

Looney joined the franchise last summer after spending the first decade of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. His arrival was viewed as an opportunity to add championship experience and dependable frontcourt depth to a team hoping to compete in the Western Conference.

However, the partnership never developed as anticipated. Injuries, lineup adjustments and a reduced role limited Looney’s impact throughout the season, making his future with the organization increasingly uncertain as the offseason approached.

1. Salary Cap Flexibility Becomes the Priority

Declining Looney’s option would create valuable salary cap space for the Pelicans, giving the front office greater flexibility as it evaluates the free-agent market. Reports suggest the move could free nearly $13 million, allowing New Orleans to pursue additional rotation players without significantly restricting future spending. After another season that fell below expectations, the Pelicans appear focused on making targeted improvements rather than committing to a complete roster overhaul. Creating financial flexibility is considered one of the most effective ways to strengthen the team while maintaining its core group of players. The organization’s reported strategy reflects an emphasis on adding complementary pieces around its existing stars. Instead of making sweeping changes, New Orleans could use the available cap room to address specific needs that emerged during the previous campaign. Although the decision has been widely reported, the Pelicans have not yet officially confirmed it. The situation is expected to become official once the deadline to exercise the team option arrives in the coming days.

2. Looney’s Time in New Orleans Falls Short

Looney signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Pelicans during free agency in July 2025 after spending 10 seasons with the Warriors. The move was expected to provide New Orleans with an experienced center capable of stabilizing the frontcourt alongside Zion Williamson and rookie Derik Queen. The veteran entered the organization carrying an impressive résumé. During his time in Golden State, Looney earned a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable rebounders while helping the Warriors capture three NBA championships. Despite those credentials, his role in New Orleans steadily declined throughout the season. He averaged 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds while seeing limited playing time, eventually falling out of the regular rotation as the coaching staff explored other lineup combinations. The disappointing production represented a sharp contrast to the consistency that defined much of Looney’s career. Although he remained respected for his professionalism and leadership, he was unable to establish the on-court impact the Pelicans envisioned when they signed him.

3. Veteran Center Could Draw Interest Elsewhere

While his stint with the Pelicans may be nearing its conclusion, Looney is still expected to attract interest around the NBA. Teams seeking experienced frontcourt depth could view him as a reliable option because of his championship background and willingness to embrace a supporting role. Beyond his statistical contributions, Looney has long been praised for his leadership and locker-room presence. His experience competing in deep playoff runs and championship environments makes him an attractive veteran for organizations with postseason aspirations. For contenders looking to strengthen their bench, Looney offers dependable rebounding, defensive awareness and playoff experience. Even if he is no longer expected to play heavy minutes, those qualities continue to hold value in today’s NBA. As free agency approaches, both Looney and the Pelicans appear headed in different directions. New Orleans gains financial flexibility for roster improvements, while the veteran center prepares for the possibility of beginning the next chapter of his career with a new franchise.