The NBA free agency period has ignited a firestorm of blockbuster moves, with teams across the league reshaping their rosters for the 2025-26 season. From the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets swapping Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Johnson in a jaw-dropping trade to the Atlanta Hawks bolstering their backcourt with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, the action has been relentless. Yet, one move stole the spotlight for its emotional resonance and championship pedigree: the New Orleans Pelicans’ signing of three-time NBA Champion Kevon Looney to a two-year, $16 million deal, luring him away from the Golden State Warriors.
Jordan Poole responds to being reunited with his former teammate in New Orleans pic.twitter.com/3rAO8R4Tm8
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) June 30, 2025
The move sent shockwaves through the NBA, but it was the reaction of Looney’s new teammate—and old friend—Jordan Poole that added a layer of intrigue. “Omg!! It’s so lit 😈⚜️,” Poole posted on his Instagram story, a cryptic yet electric message that hinted at the chemistry already brewing in New Orleans. Poole and Looney, who were teammates from 2019 to 2023 with the Warriors, share a deep bond forged in the fires of their 2022 NBA Championship run against the Boston Celtics. Now reunited, their partnership could be the spark the Pelicans need to reignite their playoff hopes.
The Pelicans’ acquisition of Poole before the 2025 NBA Draft was equally seismic, as they traded Kelly Olynyk, CJ McCollum, and a second-round pick (No. 40) to bring in Poole, Saddiq Bey, and additional draft capital. After a 2024-25 season marred by injuries and disappointment, New Orleans is banking on this revamped roster to climb the brutal Western Conference standings. With a core featuring the explosive Zion Williamson, defensive stalwart Herb Jones, and sharpshooter Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans have the talent to compete. Adding Looney’s veteran savvy and Poole’s dynamic scoring could elevate them from pretenders to contenders.
10 seasons, 3 championships. The Kevon Looney Warriors era was special 💙 💛 pic.twitter.com/Df5zcaDEuU
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 1, 2025
Looney’s arrival brings a battle-tested presence to a team desperate for stability. A 10-year veteran known for his relentless rebounding and defensive grit, Looney was a cornerstone of Golden State’s dynasty. His move to New Orleans signals the Pelicans’ intent to blend youth with experience, while Poole’s enthusiastic reaction suggests a seamless reunion. Their shared history could unlock a level of on-court chemistry that’s rare in today’s fast-moving NBA.
As the Pelicans gear up for a redemption tour, the basketball world is buzzing. Will Poole and Looney recapture their championship magic in New Orleans? With a loaded roster and a chip on their shoulder, the Pelicans are poised to make noise. One thing’s certain: Poole’s “lit” message is just the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying chapter in the Big Easy.