Kevon Looney
The Golden State Warriors seem to have the same problem in 2026 that they have had for the last few seasons. Not having a starting caliber big man has forced them to roll with 6’6 Draymond Green at that spot.
Not that Steve Kerr has seemed to mind, but it has been a case where bigger teams can take advantage of Golden State. Signing a 40-year-oldAl Horford has not helped them to fill the void as they thought it might.
The team let Kevon Looney walk in the offseason after 10 seasons, and three championships. As the veteran has struggled to get minutes with the Pelicans, perhaps a reunion could be in order?
In the next section, a hypothetical deal sending Looney back home is listed out. Let’s dissect.
Buddy Hield for Kevon Looney Swap
As mentioned above, Kevon Looney hasn’t been able to get much playing time in his new home. Rookie Derik Queen has shined bright, while the early-season signing of DeAndre Jordan helped provide an even older veteran mentor.
Looney has not been out there very often, and when he has, the impact has been relatively minimal. Averaging just three points and five rebounds in 15 appearances, the big man has not been able to find his bearings.
Meanwhile in Golden State, Buddy Hield has been struggling in his second year with the team. For the first time as a Warrior, the veteran has found himself glued to the bench.
Averaging a career-worst 7.6 points per game while making just 32% of his threes, Hield has been off the floor often this season. This coming just months after a historic 33-point effort on nine made threes against the Rockets in a Game 7 win against the Rockets a season ago.
With both of these players struggling, a swap between the two of them could help each to get back on track, while providing aid to their respective teams.
No picks would be involved, and this would be listed as a straight-up swap.
Why a Hield-Looney Swap Makes Sense
Buddy Hield is under contract through the end of next season at about $9.5 million per year, with a player-option for 2027-2028. As for Kevon Looney, he is due another $8 million next season, if his team-option is picked up.
Golden State badly needs a center, and already has plenty of guards on their roster. Bringing Looney in would add a familiar face to the locker room. A big rebounding presence during his first tenure, he was invaluable in the team’s last championship in 2022.
Golden State also re-acquired Gary Payton II after letting him walk previously, so this would not be the craziest thing to see them do.
As for Hield, New Orleans would love to add his shooting. If he can play well in the second half of the year on the team he began his career with, Hield could fetch a little something in an offseason trade.
With the Pelicans not having their draft pick and no tanking incentive, he could fit in nicely. If the team opts to hang on to Trey Murphy, the two could have some epic shooting contests in practice.
Both of these teams may be thinking even bigger, with other players on the trading block. But this small move could work out nicely for both sides.