NBA Center Carousel: Lakers Sign Kevon Looney, Chase Jonas Valanciunas as Knicks Retool

The Lakers' Center Overhaul

The Lakers have undergone a dramatic transformation at the center position this offseason. They traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards (along with future draft capital) to acquire Walker Kessler as their starting center of the future. They also lost Jaxson Hayes to the Utah Jazz in free agency. This left a clear void for a reliable backup.

Enter Kevon Looney. After spending 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors (2015–2025) where he earned three championship rings, Looney signed a two-year, $16M deal with the Pelicans last summer but saw minimal playing time — just 14.7 minutes per game across 21 appearances. New Orleans declined his $8M option for 2026/27, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data, Looney remains a respected screen setter, rebounder, and locker room presence at age 30. However, analysts note he has aged out of being the aerial lob threat that Luka Doncic thrives with, raising questions about fit in the Lakers' offensive system.

The Valanciunas Dilemma

The bigger prize remains Jonas Valanciunas, who has one year left on his Denver contract. The Nuggets have three options before the July 8 deadline:

| Option | Cap Hit | Likelihood |

|--------|---------|------------|

| Trade him | $0 (offloaded) | Moderate |

| Keep him as Jokic's backup | $10M | Low |

| Waive him (pay $2M guarantee) | $2M | High |

The Lakers have shown interest in Valanciunas dating back to two summers ago, when he chose Washington over Los Angeles. Now 34, the Lithuanian center averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 65 games for Denver last season.

However, reports from BasketNews indicate Valanciunas has committed to a two-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas if released from his NBA contract, potentially ending his 14-season NBA career. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer have cast doubt on that being a foregone conclusion, noting that "NBA interest in Valanciunas seems to be growing given the increasing need for proven size."

The Knicks' Backup Plan

New York was initially linked to both Looney and Valanciunas but ultimately signed Andre Drummond to a one-year deal after losing Mitchell Robinson to Boston. The Knicks have roughly $6.5M in cap space to fill two roster spots while staying below the second apron, making a trade for Valanciunas at $10M financially impossible unless he is waived first.

The Knicks are also monitoring Charlotte's Moussa Diabate (expiring $2.5M contract) as a potential trade target for additional depth.

Q: When is the Jonas Valanciunas decision deadline?

The Nuggets must decide by Wednesday, July 8 whether to trade, keep, or waive Valanciunas. If waived, his $10M salary drops to a $2M guarantee.

Q: Why did the Lakers choose Looney over other options?

Looney was available on a minimum contract ($3.9M), requires no cap space, and brings championship experience. The Lakers had also pursued Andre Drummond and Nick Richards, but Drummond signed with New York.

Q: Could Valanciunas really leave the NBA for Europe?

Yes. Reports confirm Valanciunas has committed to a two-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania) if waived by the Nuggets. However, growing NBA interest — particularly from the Lakers — could change that outcome.

Q: How does this affect the Knicks' roster?

The Knicks filled their backup center need with Andre Drummond on a one-year deal. They still have ~$6.5M to add two more players and are monitoring trade options including Charlotte's Moussa Diabate.

The veteran center market is heating up with major implications for the Lakers, Knicks, and Nuggets. Do you think Valanciunas will stay in the NBA or return to Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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