Pelicans Sign Looney To $16M Deal, Reunite With Poole

The New Orleans Pelicans have signed three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney to a two-year, $16 million deal, aiming to bolster their frontcourt and add veteran leadership after a disappointing 2024-25 season. This move reunites Looney with former Golden State Warriors teammate Jordan Poole, who was recently traded to the Pelicans from the Washington Wizards in a deal involving CJ McCollum. Poole expressed excitement about reuniting with Looney on social media, highlighting their shared championship history and positive chemistry. Looney, who spent a decade with the Warriors and was known for his rebounding and locker room influence, is expected to mentor the Pelicans' young big men and stabilize the team’s interior presence. Both players are now part of a Pelicans roster looking to return to playoff contention, with new leadership from Joe Dumars in the front office promoting an aggressive rebuild. The reunion marks a fresh start for both athletes, moving past previous tensions experienced in Golden State, notably Poole's well-publicized altercation with Draymond Green.