If the Boston Celtics are looking for a low-risk trade option, Kevon Looney could be an intriguing idea. The New Orleans Pelicans’ big man becomes tradable on December 15 (tomorrow, when this article publishes), and he could be an ideal trade target for the Celtics to consider for multiple reasons.
The Pelicans have had a disastrous season, and Looney hasn’t been a part of their rotation. And since they inked him to a two-year contract (with a team option in the second season), perhaps they would be willing to part ways with him at the deadline. Boston could take a potential interest.
It could be a win-win(-win) trade for everyone involved.
Kevon Looney could be interesting Celtics trade target
Though the Celtics have played better than expected this year, as was the case all summer, this season’s deadline will likely involve an attempt at shaving down finances.
If Boston could find a third team willing (and able) to take on Anfernee Simons’ contract, they could get back Looney from the Pelicans without taking back any other salary. That would save them roughly $19 million, dipping them below the tax line.
The Brooklyn Nets are the first team that comes to mind as a potential suitor, as they have the most cap space in the league, but the Utah Jazz could also work in that spot.
With both of those teams, the Celtics could find a trade configuration that would see them land Looney while also dipping below the tax line. That would accomplish two goals—get a backup center and begin the process of resetting the repeater tax.
In theory, Boston could look to complete a trade with the Nets or Jazz directly to accomplish these goals, but adding Looney gives them some intriguing flexibility heading into the summer.
Since Looney has a team option for the 2025-26 season, he could essentially act as an $8 million trade chip for the Celtics to play around with as they look to improve their roster around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Looney’s lack of playing time this year could give some pause, but Boston would still be able to cut down their finances and give itself some nice flexibility this summer by adding him to the roster.
Plus, if they can get anywhere close to the version of Looney that dominated in the 2022 playoffs, it would be a very interesting trade.
With his size and strength, Looney has established himself as a great screener and even better rebounder, and both of those skills could definitely help the Celtics on both ends of the court.
He’s eligible to be traded starting December 15 (tomorrow), so perhaps he could be someone for Boston to monitor.