The New Orleans Pelicans wasted no time jumping on former UCLA center Kevon Looney in NBA free agency, signing Looney just after the free agency period began on Monday to a 2-year $16 million deal.

The Pelicans’ front office was in the news earlier this offseason for trading their unprotected 2026 first round pick (could be swapped with Milwaukee’s first round pick) to select Maryland’s Derik Queen 13th overall.

Last season, the Pelicans took center Yves Missi 21st overall and Missi had a strong rookie season, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Between Missi, Queen and Looney the Pelicans have a very full center position. 

It’s true that Looney isn’t a guy who needs minutes every game, as his role with Golden State has fluctuated from a starter to an end of bench player but after giving Looney a two-year deal and used their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign the three-time champ, effectively capping New Orleans out.

The Pelicans’ current star is Zion Williamson so it’s not out of the question for the front office to view Looney as a vital enough locker room presence to hand the two-year deal to even if they don’t envision a large role for the veteran center.

Looney also reunites with former teammate Jordan Poole, with the pair winning an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2022. Poole was traded to the Pelicans earlier this offseason in a deal with the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum.