Two NBA Powerhouses Are Both Chasing the Same Player This Summer

What’s Going On?

Imagine two kids reaching for the same cookie at the same time. That’s basically happening in the NBA right now! The New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics both want to add the same player to their teams during the offseason — a big man named Kevon Looney.

Who Is Kevon Looney?

Kevon Looney is a center (that’s the tall player who usually stays near the basket). He just became a free agent, which means he’s free to sign a contract with any team he wants. The reason? The New Orleans Pelicans — his most recent team — decided not to keep him for another season by declining something called his "club option" (think of it like a team deciding whether to renew your gym membership for another year).

What Do the Celtics Want?

The Celtics are the reigning NBA champions (they won the title in 2024). According to trusted NBA reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Boston has shown interest in bringing Looney onto their team.

But here’s an important detail — Looney isn’t their only option! The Celtics are also looking at another center:

• Robert Williams III — a player who actually spent five years with the Celtics before being traded to Portland. He’s also a free agent now, so Boston could bring back an old friend.

What About the Knicks?

The Knicks — who won their championship a while ago (they were actually the previous champs before the Celtics) — also want Kevon Looney.

However, there’s a catch:

• The Knicks might not chase Looney at all, depending on what their current backup center, Mitchell Robinson, decides to do. Mitchell is also a free agent this summer (an "unrestricted free agent," meaning he can go anywhere).
• If Mitchell stays with the Knicks, they probably won’t need Looney.
• If Mitchell leaves, the Knicks will likely go after Looney.

A Fun Connection!

Here’s a cool piece of basketball trivia: Kevon Looney spent 10 years playing for the Golden State Warriors. During a big chunk of that time (2016–2022), the current Knicks head coach, Mike Brown, was an assistant coach there too. So Looney and the Knicks’ coach already know each other well — like old coworkers looking to team up again!

How Did They Play Recently?

Nobody’s perfect, and both Looney and Williams had some ups and downs recently:

Quick Summary: Williams played more games and had slightly better numbers, but both players have the potential to help a championship team when healthy and in the right situation.

Summary

Two of the NBA’s biggest teams — the Boston Celtics (2024 champions) and the New York Knicks (previous champions) — are reportedly interested in signing Kevon Looney, who became a free agent after the New Orleans Pelicans declined his club option. The Knicks’ interest depends on what Mitchell Robinson decides to do, while the Celtics are also considering bringing back former player Robert Williams III. Kelly Brown’s previous connection with Looney in Golden State adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Knicks’ pursuit.

FAQ

1. What does "free agent" mean?
A free agent is a player whose contract has expired and who is free to sign with any team in the league. Think of it like being able to apply for any job you want instead of being stuck at one company.

2. What is a "club option"?
A club option gives a team (not the player) the choice to extend a contract for another year. If the team declines it, the player becomes a free agent.

3. Why do both teams need a center?
Centers protect the basket, grab rebounds, and help score close to the hoop. Having a strong center is like having a really tall wall on defense and a giant target on offense!

4. Who might be a better fit — Looney or Williams?
That’s the million-dollar question! Looney brings experience and a connection to the Knicks’ coach, while Williams has higher recent numbers. Each team will be weighing their options carefully this summer.

5. When will we know where these players end up?
The NBA free agency period typically starts around late June or early July, so expect answers soon!