The New Orleans Pelicans’ decision to sign Kevon Looney during the 2025 offseason has turned out to be a significant setback. While the acquisition initially seemed promising due to Looney’s experience and history of success with Golden State, his current performance and age suggest that the taxpayer mid-level exception spent on him could have been better utilized elsewhere.
This season, Looney has contributed an average of only 2.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting under 50 percent from the field across 13.9 minutes per game. More concerning, he has appeared in just 18 games as New Orleans has seen three other centers rank ahead of him on the depth chart, relegating him to a minimal role.
At $8 million annually, Looney’s limited production as a fourth-string center is difficult to justify for the Pelicans, especially when considering alternative signings available during the offseason.
Alternative players New Orleans could have targeted
New Orleans had only one significant asset in the offseason: the taxpayer mid-level exception. Missing the mark on this opportunity with Looney has been a disappointment, particularly given other available players who aligned more closely with the team’s timeline and budget.
Players like Jake LaRavia and Day’Ron Sharpe secured contracts around $6 million per year and have proven to be reliable rotation contributors on the Lakers and Nets, respectively. Similarly, Clint Capela agreed to a three-year deal worth roughly $7 million annually with Houston. Any of these players might have offered stronger production and more consistent minutes for the Pelicans, yet the franchise opted for the 30-year-old Looney, who has played fewer than 300 minutes so far this season.
One of the key reasons New Orleans pursued Looney was his status as a three-time NBA champion and potential veteran presence in the locker room.
Veteran leadership role filled by DeAndre Jordan
However, this anticipated leadership role has instead been occupied by DeAndre Jordan, whom the Pelicans signed early in the season due to injuries. Jordan has been a vocal veteran presence both on the bench and on the court, starting the team’s last five games. His contributions as an experienced, championship-winning player have effectively replaced what many expected Looney to provide, further diminishing the signing’s value.
Potential effects on the Pelicans’ season outlook
Replacing Looney with another player of comparable salary might not have drastically changed the Pelicans’ current standing, as they sit at 19–43 and 13th place in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, allocating the available cap space more efficiently could have offered New Orleans a better chance at securing extra wins and remaining competitive for a play-in tournament spot.
The Pelicans still hold a club option for the second year of Looney’s contract, giving them a chance to end this experiment after the season concludes.
“But this isn’t a role he needs to play because, due to early-season injuries, the Pelicans brought in DeAndre Jordan. All season long, DJ has been a voice, both on the bench and lately on the court, as he’s started the team’s last five games.” – Analyst
