Steph Curry
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Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a four-time NBA champion.
The Golden State Warriors are hoping to add talent at the buyout market and could potentially bring back Kevon Looney. Last offseason saw the New Orleans Pelicans signing Looney as a free agent to end his time with the Warriors. Hopes to contend for a playoff spot this season ended quickly for New Orleans, and the older Looney lost his spot in the rotation in favor of younger talents. Looney has played just three games in 2026 and is rumored as a potential buyout option.
Sports Illustrated listed Looney among the viable targets for Golden State, with both pros and cons over a return:
“On the one hand, Looney probably isn’t thrilled with the idea of returning to the Warriors after losing playing time to Quinten Post last year. On the other hand, Looney is barely playing at all with the Pelicans, and he’d likely get some run in the Bay if/when Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are out.”
Looney was not happy about losing his minutes to a rookie center like Quinten Post last season to open his desire for a change. The relationship in New Orleans falling apart so quickly could see Looney welcoming a return to a fan base who loved him dearly.
Warriors Must Rely On Pelicans’ Decision
Looney is still a member of the Pelicans, despite rarely touching the floor in most games. New Orleans must decide to buy out Looney and pay him a smaller fraction of his contract to play for another team. The Pelicans could easily bite the bullet and let Looney ride out the season on the bench.
Akeley referenced that New Orleans holds a team option and could opt to keep him for next season. Offseason trades could see his contract used in a multi-player deal to match salary or they may try to keep him around as a locker room leader for a relatively young roster.
However, teams are cutting bait on veterans that no longer fit into their plans faster than ever in the current landscape of the NBA. The Pelicans could save some money with the buyout deal and try to add a young free agent or G-League player in his spot to develop more talent for the future.
Warriors Have Multiple Buyout Targets
Nicolas Batum, Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love are three other veteran names listed as realistic targets for Golden State if they get bought out. Losing teams buying out veterans is now commonplace in the NBA to see the Warriors having a handful of options by March.
Unfortunately, it remains unlikely that any realistic addition this season will make them title contenders. Newly acquired center Kristaps Porzingis debuting and injured superstar Stephen Curry returning from injury will possibly raise their ceiling to threaten better teams, but it’s hard to see them winning a series or more.
The offseason will be the Warriors’ best chance at adding a real difference maker again. Jimmy Butler’s injury dooms any shot of this roster having a viable chance at the NBA Championship. Players like Looney or other potential buyout targets would at least satisfy fans wanting them to try anything to improve this season.