Kevon Looney’s departure from the Golden State Warriors marks the end of a decade-long journey that helped define one of the NBA’s most dominant dynasties. A steady, unselfish, and reliable presence in the frontcourt, Looney embodied everything that made the Warriors successful during their historic run. After spending all 10 of his NBA seasons with Golden State, the three-time NBA champion has officially signed a two-year, \$16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. In a move that reunites him with former teammate Jordan Poole, the transition signals not only a fresh start for Looney but a changing of the guard for a Warriors franchise once synonymous with championship parades and playoff magic.
Looney’s journey with Golden State began in 2015, when the Warriors selected him with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. Coming out of UCLA, he was viewed as a talented but injury-prone player. It didn’t take long for those concerns to surface—hip surgery sidelined him early in his career. But Looney never let injuries define him. He slowly carved out a role on a team that didn’t just need stars—it needed glue guys. And that’s exactly what Looney became.
Over the course of a decade, Looney evolved from a fringe rotation piece into one of the league’s most reliable big men. He never sought the spotlight, but his presence was always felt. He screened, rebounded, played smart team defense, and did the dirty work that often goes unnoticed in the box score. His stats were never gaudy—career averages of 5.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game—but his value far exceeded the numbers. In multiple playoff runs, he delivered crucial performances that turned games and series in Golden State’s favor.
Perhaps his most memorable moment came during the 2022 NBA Playoffs. As the Warriors made their way to a fourth title in eight years, Looney played the best basketball of his career. He dominated the boards against the likes of Memphis and Dallas, recording multiple 20-rebound games and anchoring Golden State’s defense when it mattered most. In a team filled with future Hall of Famers, Looney’s hustle and tenacity were often the X-factors. He wasn’t flashy, but he was fearless.
Now, that chapter closes, and a new one begins in New Orleans. For the Pelicans, the signing of Kevon Looney represents a strategic move to bolster their frontcourt depth and leadership. With Zion Williamson still fighting for sustained health and Jonas Valančiūnas entering free agency, Looney provides a stabilizing force who can set screens, crash the glass, and anchor a defense. He doesn’t need plays run for him. He just needs minutes, and when he gets them, he produces winning basketball.
Reuniting with Jordan Poole adds another layer of intrigue. Poole, who was traded to Washington in 2023 before being moved again to New Orleans, had a strong on- and off-court bond with Looney during their years together in the Bay Area. The two were part of the 2022 championship team and shared the ups and downs of a tumultuous but resilient Warriors locker room. In New Orleans, they’ll look to bring those winning habits and intangible qualities to a Pelicans roster that’s still trying to find its identity in the loaded Western Conference.
For the Warriors, Looney’s exit is the latest in a series of moves that reflect a changing organizational philosophy. The departure of Poole, the arrival of Chris Paul, and the ever-present uncertainty surrounding Klay Thompson’s future all point to a team in transition. Steph Curry remains the face of the franchise, and Draymond Green continues to anchor the defense, but the core that once seemed untouchable is no longer fully intact.
Looney was the last of the non-“Big Three” players from the original title run still on the roster. His exit feels symbolic—like a final farewell to the Warriors’ dynasty as we knew it. There’s still talent in Golden State, but the championship window appears to be closing, and the franchise is bracing for a new era under a different identity.
What makes Looney’s story special is the quiet resilience that defined his time in Golden State. He wasn’t a lottery pick. He wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer. He battled injuries, underwent multiple surgeries, and was nearly out of the league more than once. Yet every time the Warriors needed him, he answered the call. Whether it was guarding Anthony Davis in the playoffs, keeping Nikola Jokić off the boards, or chasing guards on the perimeter in switch-heavy schemes, Looney did it all without complaint. His teammates trusted him. His coaches relied on him. The fans adored him.
Even Steve Kerr, one of the league’s most respected coaches, frequently praised Looney as the team’s “unsung hero.” Kerr often said that the Warriors didn’t win championships without Looney’s contributions, and he wasn’t exaggerating. In a league where stars dominate headlines, Looney proved that role players win rings.
In New Orleans, Looney will have a chance to bring that same energy to a team hungry for playoff success. The Pelicans have a talented core—Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and now Jordan Poole—but they’ve struggled to stay healthy and consistent. Looney’s presence could help steady the ship. He’s not a vocal leader in the traditional sense, but his professionalism, work ethic, and poise under pressure are contagious. Young players learn by example, and Looney sets the kind every coach wants in the locker room.
For fans in the Bay Area, saying goodbye to Looney is bittersweet. He wasn’t the flashiest or most talked-about Warrior, but he was one of the most beloved. His impact went far beyond the stat line. He represented perseverance, loyalty, and sacrifice—qualities that defined the Warriors’ championship culture. In a time when NBA careers are often transient and transactional, Looney’s decade in Golden State was a rare display of continuity and commitment.
Social media erupted with tributes the moment news broke of Looney’s departure. Teammates, fans, and analysts alike expressed their gratitude and respect. “Warrior for life,” some posted. “Heart of a champion,” others wrote. It’s clear that while Looney may no longer be wearing blue and gold, his legacy with the Warriors is secure. He’ll be remembered not just for the championships, but for the effort, the grit, and the moments that only true fans truly appreciate.
And now, with a new team and new goals ahead, Looney has a fresh opportunity to make an impact. The Pelicans may not be championship contenders yet, but they’re a team on the rise. With the right mix of health, development, and leadership, New Orleans could be a dark horse in the Western Conference. And if they do make a deep playoff run, don’t be surprised if Kevon Looney once again plays a pivotal role—not with flashy dunks or highlight reels, but with the kind of winning plays that define champions.
Ten years. Three championships. Countless moments. Kevon Looney’s time with the Golden State Warriors is officially over, but his legacy will live on in the rafters, in the memories of fans, and in the blueprint of how to win the right way. As he begins a new journey in New Orleans, one thing is certain—wherever Looney goes, winning tends to follow.
