Warriors Considering Kevon Looney Reunion as Buyout Market Heats Up

The Golden State Warriors are navigating one of the most turbulent seasons of the Stephen Curry era. With injuries piling up and a roster still adjusting after significant trade-deadline changes, the franchise is scanning the buyout market for reinforcements. One name stands out above all others — a familiar face: Kevon Looney.

Looney, who left the Warriors last offseason to sign with the New Orleans Pelicans, has seen his stint in the Big Easy unravel quickly. While Golden State continues to battle inconsistency, the Pelicans are trending toward a reset — and league insiders now believe Looney could become a legitimate buyout candidate.

If that happens, Golden State is expected to be among the first teams at the front of the line.

Why Kevon Looney Is Suddenly a Realistic Buyout Addition

The Pelicans signed Looney last summer hoping the veteran center could stabilize their rotation, mentor their young core, and provide his trademark rebounding and toughness. But the experiment never fully materialized.

Looney has played only three games in the 2026 season, having fallen completely out of the rotation in favor of younger players as New Orleans’ playoff hopes collapsed early. According to Sports Illustrated, Looney checks several boxes for Golden State — but the fit is complicated.

“On one hand, Looney probably isn’t thrilled with the idea of returning to the Warriors after losing playing time to Quinten Post last year. On the other hand, Looney is barely playing at all with the Pelicans, and he’d likely get real minutes in the Bay if/when Al Horford or Kristaps Porzingis are out.”

Looney’s departure from Golden State stemmed partly from frustration after losing his backup role to rookie Quinten Post, a move that surprised many within the organization. Yet, despite that friction, the Warriors have always viewed Looney as one of the franchise’s cultural anchors — a player beloved by the locker room, fan base, and coaching staff.

With the Warriors thin in the frontcourt and postseason hopes fading, a reunion suddenly feels plausible.

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Why a Looney Return Makes Sense for the Warriors

For nearly a decade, Looney was the Warriors’ safety valve — a stabilizer during dynastic runs, an elite offensive rebounder, and a trusted playoff performer. Even as his athleticism faded, his IQ and system familiarity proved invaluable.

Golden State currently needs exactly that profile:

• Kristaps Porzingis has not debuted due to injury.

• Al Horford is 39 and must have his workload managed.

• Draymond Green is transitioning into a more limited role.

• Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski remain promising but inexperienced.

Looney knows Steve Kerr’s system better than any big man not named Draymond Green. If the Warriors are serious about stabilizing their rotation ahead of the stretch run, Looney offers reliability at a low cost.

The Pelicans Must Make the First Move

Despite Looney’s lack of playing time, the Pelicans still control his future. He remains under contract, and New Orleans holds a team option for next season.

This creates three scenarios:

1. Pelicans buy him out

This is the Warriors’ ideal outcome. Looney becomes a free agent, and Golden State can sign him immediately.

2. Pelicans keep him for depth or leadership

The franchise has a young roster, and Looney’s professionalism carries value. They could choose to let him ride out the year.

3. Pelicans trade him in the offseason

His contract could serve as salary filler in a multi-player deal — a route many rebuilding teams consider.

The Warriors can only wait.

What Other Buyout Options Do the Warriors Have?

As Golden State’s talent pool thins, multiple veterans could become available across the league. Among the realistic names:

• Nicolas Batum — elite connector, versatile defender, reliable passer

• Kyle Anderson — stabilizer, secondary ball-handler, defensive versatility

• Kevin Love — shooting, rebounding, veteran IQ

None of these players shifts Golden State into true title contention, but each represents incremental improvement.

And in a season where Stephen Curry has missed significant time — and where Jimmy Butler, a centerpiece of their midseason trade, is out for the year — the Warriors can’t afford to stand still.

Will This Move Actually Change the Warriors’ Fate?

Let’s be blunt:
No buyout signing will transform the Warriors back into contenders.

Even with Porzingis returning and Curry recovering, the ceiling has been lowered dramatically. The team looks competitive on good nights, but nowhere near its championship prime.

Still, adding Looney or another experienced big could be meaningful in two critical ways:

1. Stabilizing rotations so young players aren’t overwhelmed.

2. Preserving the internal culture during a difficult transition year.

In many ways, the Warriors’ front office understands that fans simply want the team to try — to show effort, to compete, and to avoid wasting what remains of Curry’s late prime.

Adding Kevon Looney would do exactly that.