The Boston Celtics are exploring another veteran center option this offseason, with three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney reportedly on their list of frontcourt targets.
Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line on Sunday that Looney is among the centers Boston is considering, alongside former Celtic Robert Williams III. The report also noted that New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has an established relationship with Looney from their time together with the Golden State Warriors.
Boston is looking to strengthen its center rotation after a 56-26 regular season that earned the team the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics were eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, losing the series 4-3 after dropping Game 7 by a 109-100 score.
The Celtics already have interior production from Neemias Queta, who started 75 games during the 2025-26 season and averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game. However, Boston continues to evaluate options that could add playoff experience and defensive reliability.
Looney, 30, spent his first decade in the NBA with Golden State before joining New Orleans last offseason. The Pelicans are expected to decline his $8 million team option for the 2026-27 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
His first season in New Orleans was limited by opportunity, as he appeared in only 21 games and averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes per night. Despite the reduced role, Looney maintained his reputation as a strong rebounder, screen setter and connector on offense.
During his Warriors tenure, Looney became a key part of three championship teams and was a regular contributor during Golden State’s dynasty years. He has never been a high-volume scorer, but his value has traditionally come from physical defense, rebounding positioning and his ability to execute within structured systems.
