After a decade of grit, hustle, and three championship rings with the Golden State Warriors, Kevon Looney’s journey with the team came to an unexpected end. The 29-year-old center, a cornerstone of the Warriors’ dynasty, shocked fans by signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. While the move was partly fueled by a better financial offer, Looney’s candid revelations on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast unveiled a deeper story—one of frustration, diminishing trust, and a bittersweet farewell to the franchise he called home.
A Veteran’s New Chapter in New Orleans
Looney’s signing with the Pelicans marks a fresh start for the veteran big man, who is expected to bring leadership and experience to a young frontcourt featuring promising prospects Yves Missi and Derik Queen. The two-year contract, a significant step up from the Warriors’ offer, was an opportunity Looney couldn’t pass up. Yet, beneath the surface of this career move lies a tale of mounting discontent that ultimately pushed him out of Golden State.
The Playoff Snub That Stung
Looney’s departure wasn’t just about money—it was personal. During the Warriors’ playoff runs, Looney’s role dwindled dramatically. Averaging a mere 9.3 minutes per game against the Houston Rockets and 11.0 minutes in the series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Looney felt sidelined. The final straw? Watching rookie Quinten Post, a second-round pick, take precedence over him on the court.
“Quinten’s my guy, but it’s anyone but me it seemed like,” Looney admitted on the podcast, his frustration palpable. The lack of trust from the Warriors’ coaching staff, particularly during high-stakes playoff moments, left a lasting mark. “In the playoffs, I didn’t get the chance to do what I do,” he said. “Alright, you don’t trust me.”
Looney pointed to a specific moment in Game 7 against Houston, where he was inserted late in the game. “You don’t think I’m that good no more,” he recalled thinking. “You get sick of that at some point. You either trust me or you don’t.”
A Clash of Loyalty and Opportunity
Despite his frustrations, Looney made it clear that his issues were not personal with head coach Steve Kerr. “It’s never personal with Steve,” he said. “He does what he thinks is trying to win.” Kerr had publicly expressed trust in Looney during the Rockets series, but for the veteran center, actions spoke louder than words. The reduced minutes and the team’s preference for younger players signaled that his role in Golden State’s future was shrinking.
Looney also hinted at the Warriors’ hesitance to invest in him financially. Expecting a low-ball offer from the team, which has yet to make a single free agency signing this offseason, Looney saw the writing on the wall. The Pelicans’ offer, combined with his playoff frustrations, made the decision to leave a decade-long tenure with the Warriors both logical and inevitable.
An Emotional Farewell to a Dynasty
Despite the sour notes, Looney’s departure was marked by gratitude and respect for the organization that shaped his career. In an emotional farewell message, he reflected on his three championship victories and the memories forged with teammates, coaches, and fans. “The Warriors will always have a special place in my heart,” Looney wrote, showcasing the class and professionalism that defined his tenure.
However, the sting of feeling undervalued lingered. Looney’s exit reveals a hidden truth about the Warriors’ current state: a team in transition, grappling with balancing its championship pedigree with a new generation of talent. For Looney, the move to New Orleans isn’t just a new contract—it’s a chance to prove he’s still a vital force on the court.
What’s Next for Looney and the Warriors?
As Looney embarks on his new journey with the Pelicans, he carries with him the experience of a proven winner and the hunger to show he’s far from done. For the Warriors, Looney’s departure raises questions about their direction. With no free agency signings and a reliance on unproven talent, can Golden State maintain its championship aspirations?
Looney’s candid words pull back the curtain on a Warriors team at a crossroads. His exit wasn’t just about dollars—it was about respect, trust, and a chance to reclaim his place in the game. As he steps into the next chapter, one thing is clear: Kevon Looney is ready to show the NBA what he’s truly capable of.