The Boston Celtics are already being linked to a frontcourt answer before free agency even opens, and the name at the center of that talk is Kevon Looney. According to sports.yahoo.com, Boston has Looney on its board as it looks to repair a position that was exposed in the playoffs.
The need is not subtle. Nikola Vucevic never settled in after the deadline move, and Joe Mazzulla eventually benched him in the decisive moments of the Philadelphia series. With that in mind, Brad Stevens appears focused on adding depth and stability rather than chasing a headline-grabbing swing.
Why Looney Fits Boston’s Search
Looney’s appeal is straightforward. The three-time NBA champion has built his reputation on screening, rebounding, paint protection, and accepting whatever role a team asks of him.
That profile matters for Boston, where the goal is not to replace a star with a star but to shore up a problem area. If the Celtics want a veteran who understands winning basketball and does not need touches to stay effective, Looney checks that box.
| Player | Recent Team Situation | Notable 2024-25 Output | What It Means for Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevon Looney | New Orleans declined his $8 million team option | 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds in 21 games | Veteran depth and low-maintenance frontcourt help |
| Robert Williams III | Played for Portland after leaving Boston | 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds in 59 games | Rim protection with more upside and more uncertainty |
Looney’s last season in New Orleans was uneven. He appeared in only 21 games and averaged 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in under 15 minutes per night, with injuries continuing to shadow his availability.
Competition Could Shape the Outcome
Boston is not alone in pursuing him. The New York Knicks are also monitoring Looney, with their interest tied to what happens with Mitchell Robinson in free agency.
There is another familiar name in the mix too. The same report noted that former Celtic Robert Williams III is on Boston’s radar, and his return would bring back a player the franchise knows well.
Williams spent five seasons in Boston before being traded to Portland in the 2023-24 offseason. He averaged 6.7 points and 7.0 rebounds across 59 games for the Trail Blazers last season, and his rim protection remains the clearest argument for a reunion.
What Boston Is Really Deciding
The Celtics are choosing between two different kinds of risk. Looney offers a steadier veteran presence, while Williams brings more upside but also more questions about durability.
Neither option solves everything for a team that wants to avoid repeating last season’s frontcourt issues. But with free agency approaching, Boston already has a short list, and the next move could decide whether it gets the cleaner fit or settles for what remains.
