Warriors monitoring Kevon Looney as ideal buyout addition, but New Orleans holds the key to reunion
The Golden State Warriors made a small but necessary roster move this week by signing former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nate Williams, yet even with their newest depth piece in place, the seven-time NBA champions still have one open slot available to reinforce a roster that continues to search for stability.
As the Warriors attempt to claw their way into a more secure postseason position, the buyout market has become an increasingly important tool, offering them a chance to add a proven contributor without surrendering assets or disrupting their long-term financial strategy.
Among all potential options, Blue Man Hoop writer Josh Cornelissen wasted no time identifying one perfect target, arguing that the Warriors should seriously consider reuniting with longtime franchise anchor and three-time champion Kevon Looney if he becomes available.
Cornelissen highlighted that Golden State remains a natural fit for Looney, not merely because of nostalgia, but because his presence addresses multiple structural needs on a roster now relying heavily on veteran big men who require careful load management.
With both Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis navigating increased injury risk due to age and past medical history, adding a durable interior stabilizer familiar with Steve Kerr’s system would be an immediate tactical upgrade.
Cornelissen emphasized that Looney’s personality and professionalism further strengthen the case, noting that he never complained about playing time—even during seasons when he arguably deserved a larger role—making him the exact type of low-maintenance, high-impact glue guy contenders covet.
However, any potential reunion remains blocked by a simple but frustrating obstacle: Looney is still under contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, who have shown no indication that they intend to waive him before the buyout deadline.
Because NBA rules prohibit a team from acquiring a player via buyout unless the former team releases him outright, Golden State is forced into a holding pattern, waiting for New Orleans to make a decision that may never come.
Cornelissen underscored the stalemate, stating that while both sides likely desire a reunion, the Warriors cannot legally pursue Looney unless the Pelicans’ front office decides to part ways with him—a move for which no evidence currently exists.
From Golden State’s viewpoint, Looney remains one of the most underrated potential buyout candidates, a player whose value comes not from statistical flash but from his experience, intelligence, and proven reliability within Kerr’s intricate defensive and offensive schemes.
Looney’s ability to screen, rebound, anchor pick-and-roll coverage, and communicate on the floor made him one of the most important role players of the Warriors’ dynasty years, often providing the subtle but essential work that allowed the stars to shine.
His reputation as a selfless teammate, cultural pillar, and stabilizing locker-room presence only adds to his appeal, especially for a Warriors team that has spent the season battling inconsistency, injuries, and internal tension.
Even though Looney is not elite in any single category, his cumulative impact often exceeds the sum of his parts, particularly in playoff environments where execution, familiarity, and reliability become priceless commodities.
Golden State’s interior presence has fluctuated throughout the season as they attempt to balance the offensive versatility of Porzingis with the defensive structure that requires constant communication and disciplined rotations.
Looney’s addition would allow Kerr to deploy more flexible lineups, rest aging veterans, and reestablish the kind of connective defensive tissue that helped fuel Golden State’s championship identity across the past decade.
Yet despite the obvious fit, the Warriors remain powerless until the Pelicans make a corresponding move, placing the situation in a holding pattern that could stretch all the way through the final days of the buyout period.
New Orleans’ motivations remain unclear, as Looney provides excellent insurance behind their own big-man rotation, making it uncertain whether they would surrender a dependable depth piece unless they receive internal pressure or cap considerations dictate a change.
If Looney does eventually hit the open market, Golden State would almost certainly face competition from several playoff teams seeking rebounding, physicality, and postseason-tested experience at the center position.
Still, the Warriors’ familiarity advantage—combined with Looney’s established relationships and system comfort—would likely position them as favorites to sign him should he receive a buyout.
For now, the situation evolves into a waiting game, one that both fan bases and league observers are monitoring closely, given Looney’s unique status as a beloved winner who could meaningfully elevate a contender’s depth.
Golden State knows the window for meaningful upgrades is closing fast, but the possibility of reuniting with Looney—however small—remains one of the most intriguing buyout storylines in the NBA.
Whether the Pelicans eventually decide to “play ball,” as Cornelissen phrased it, will determine if Looney’s championship experience returns to Chase Center or remains locked away on a roster that may not fully utilize what he brings.
As the march toward the postseason continues, the Warriors have little margin for error, and the chance to recapture Looney’s presence—even in a limited role—could prove invaluable for a team trying to steady itself one final time.
For now, all eyes remain on New Orleans, and the league waits to see whether one of the most respected veterans of the Warriors dynasty will receive the opportunity to come home.
