Kevon Looney is officially turning the page on one of the most decorated chapters in Golden State Warriors history. The 29-year-old center, a stalwart of the Warriors’ dynasty and a fan favorite known for his grit, toughness, and selflessness, has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, per reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Looney, who has spent his entire 10-year NBA career in the Bay Area, departs the Warriors as a three-time NBA champion, a locker-room leader, and an irreplaceable part of Golden State’s identity over the past decade. Originally selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of UCLA, Looney overcame early-career injuries, repeated doubting of his role, and a team full of stars to carve out a critical niche for himself in one of the most successful runs in modern basketball.
Now, after a full decade donning the blue and gold, Looney begins a fresh chapter in New Orleans—joining a Pelicans team on the rise and bringing with him a championship pedigree, a reputation as one of the NBA’s most intelligent role players, and a resume filled with invaluable postseason experience.
In many ways, Looney’s departure signals the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors. While much of the attention surrounding the dynasty has understandably revolved around the splashy exploits of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, those within the organization—and close followers of the team—know that Looney was the quiet engine powering many of the team’s most important moments. Whether it was setting soul-crushing screens, switching out onto guards defensively, or gobbling up offensive rebounds, Looney did the dirty work without complaint.
In 2022, during Golden State’s most recent championship run, Looney was particularly pivotal. His dominance on the glass, particularly in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, made national headlines. He had a 22-rebound performance in Game 6 of the Western Semifinals against Memphis and delivered multiple double-doubles during that postseason stretch. His impact was never about flash—it was about feel, timing, positioning, and effort. Coaches trusted him. Teammates revered him.
But professional basketball is a business, and the Warriors have been facing difficult financial and roster decisions after missing the playoffs this past season. With rising luxury tax concerns and a desire to reshape the roster around a soon-to-be 37-year-old Stephen Curry, Golden State has opted to make tough decisions—including parting ways with one of its most trusted veterans.
For the Pelicans, Looney’s arrival could be just what the doctor ordered. After a promising but inconsistent 2023-24 campaign, the Pelicans are looking to retool around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. New Orleans has long sought a center who can provide reliable defense, rebounding, and veteran leadership—all qualities Looney offers in abundance. His ability to switch defensively, rebound at a high rate, and set crushing screens will bring instant value, especially for a young team that has at times lacked on-court composure and consistency.
Looney also reunites in New Orleans with former Warriors teammate Jordan Poole, who was traded earlier this offseason to the Pelicans. Their chemistry in Golden State was often on display, particularly during the 2022 title run, and their mutual understanding of championship basketball could be a culture-changer in the Big Easy.
This move also speaks volumes about how Looney is viewed across the league. While never a box score star, he’s widely considered one of the most respected professionals in the NBA—a player who understands his role, thrives within structure, and enhances winning at the highest level. Coaches around the league praise his IQ, his positioning, and his ability to impact games without needing the ball. It’s no surprise that a team like New Orleans—brimming with potential but lacking postseason mettle—would target a player like him.
For Warriors fans, Looney’s departure will sting. He was, in many ways, the embodiment of the “Strength in Numbers” mantra that defined Golden State’s bench unit over the years. Whenever a star player went down, Looney was there. When Steve Kerr needed composure during chaotic playoff stretches, Looney delivered. And when others might have chased more money or a bigger spotlight, Looney stayed the course in Golden State, helping deliver titles in 2017, 2018, and 2022.
Teammates have often spoken glowingly of him. Stephen Curry once described Looney as the “ultimate teammate,” while Draymond Green lauded his understanding of the game, saying, “Loon is one of the smartest guys I’ve ever played with. He sees everything before it happens.”
Off the court, Looney has always been humble, hardworking, and dedicated to his craft. His journey from injury-prone rookie—he played just five games his first season—to irreplaceable playoff contributor is one of perseverance and grit. He underwent multiple hip surgeries early in his career, and many questioned whether he would ever be able to stay healthy long enough to reach his potential. But Looney never gave up. Instead, he remade his body, improved his footwork, and ultimately became one of the most dependable big men in the league.
Even when the Warriors experimented with lineups or chased flashier options in free agency, Looney always remained, earning every minute he played and quietly becoming a cornerstone of the team’s success. In recent years, as the Warriors chased additional titles and navigated the challenges of aging superstars, it was Looney’s presence that often provided stability.
In his 10 seasons with Golden State, Looney played in 523 regular season games and 84 playoff contests. He averaged modest numbers—5.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists—but his impact consistently far outweighed his statistical output. His per-minute production, defensive switchability, and understanding of Steve Kerr’s motion offense made him one of the most unique role players in the league.
In joining the Pelicans, Looney becomes one of the few players in today’s NBA to bring three rings, 10 years of playoff experience, and a warrior’s mentality to a new environment. His mentorship could be particularly valuable for New Orleans’ younger players like Trey Murphy III, Dyson Daniels, and Jordan Hawkins, all of whom are still developing the habits needed to compete deep into May and June.
For Looney himself, this move likely brings mixed emotions. Leaving a franchise where he grew from teenager to champion is never easy. But at 29, he still has plenty of basketball left—and perhaps even more opportunity to lead in a new role. In New Orleans, he’s no longer the overlooked piece of a dynasty—he’s the veteran with the jewelry, the voice in the locker room, the example on and off the court.
As the Warriors look ahead to an uncertain future—with questions swirling around Klay Thompson’s contract, Draymond Green’s long-term fit, and Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years—the loss of Looney is another reminder that dynasties evolve, and sometimes fade.
Yet his legacy in Golden State is secure. Few players have earned more respect while saying less. Few big men have played their role so perfectly. And few teammates have been so beloved.
Kevon Looney may now be a New Orleans Pelican, but in the hearts of Warriors fans, he will forever be one of the most cherished figures of their golden era.
And in New Orleans, the Looney era is just beginning.
