The Golden State Warriors’ offseason has been a quiet one, with minimal moves following a blockbuster trade deadline acquisition of Jimmy Butler. The team added promising talents Alex Toohey and Will Richard in the 2025 NBA Draft, but the departure of a beloved veteran has left a void in the hearts of Warriors fans. Kevon Looney, a cornerstone of the franchise’s championship era, recently signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the end of a decade-long journey with Golden State. In a heartfelt post for The Players’ Tribune, Looney shared the emotional conversations he had with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as he bid farewell to the team that shaped his career.
A Decade of Brotherhood
Looney’s connection with Curry and Green runs deep. Reflecting on his time with the Warriors, he described the duo as “big brothers” who guided him through the highs and lows of his NBA journey. “Those were my first two calls,” Looney wrote. “They’ve been my big brothers for the past 10 years — showing me the ropes, guiding me, helping me to grow up.”
“I’m Bay Area for life, no matter where I go.”
—Kevon Looney in his goodbye letter to the Warriors via @PlayersTribune
Forever a real one. Forever a champ. Forever a franchise favorite. 🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/gVuRNqRstg
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) July 6, 2025
Looney joined the Warriors in 2015, the season after their first NBA championship in the Curry era. As a rookie during the historic 73-9 season, he saw limited action, appearing in just five games. However, his role grew steadily over the years, evolving from a bench player to a key starter and a fan favorite known for his relentless rebounding and unselfish play.
In his Players’ Tribune piece, Looney recounted the emotional weight of his final conversations with Curry and Green:
“What a journey we all went on together!”
“Ten amazing years.”
“It’s been one hell of a ride!”
These words encapsulate the bond forged through a decade of shared triumphs, from championship parades to grueling playoff battles.
From Rookie to Franchise Legend
Looney’s Warriors tenure is a testament to perseverance. After a modest rookie season, his role expanded significantly during the 2018-19 campaign, where he played in 80 games and started 24, backing up DeMarcus Cousins. His hustle and defensive tenacity earned him a permanent spot in the rotation.
Kevon Looney spoke about the end of his time with the Warriors.
(via @ThompsonScribe) pic.twitter.com/diFJFwCRKg
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 15, 2025
By the 2021-22 season, Looney had cemented himself as a starter, appearing in all 82 games and starting 80. Averaging 6.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in just over 21 minutes per game, he became a reliable force in the paint. His postseason performance that year, particularly in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, etched his name in Warriors lore. In Game 2, Looney erupted for 21 points and 12 rebounds, followed by a 10-point, 18-rebound masterpiece in Game 5. These performances were pivotal in Golden State’s championship run, solidifying Looney’s legacy as a clutch performer.
A New Chapter in New Orleans
Now, Looney embarks on a new journey with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he’ll bring his veteran leadership to a young and talented frontcourt. Playing alongside 2024 All-Rookie standout Yves Missi and 2025 13th overall pick Derik Queen, Looney is poised to mentor the next generation while continuing to dominate the glass.
Though he’s traded the Bay Area for the Big Easy, Looney’s love for the Warriors remains unshakable. His decade with the franchise was filled with unforgettable moments, from the thrill of championships to the camaraderie with teammates like Curry and Green. As he wrote in The Players’ Tribune, his time in Golden State will always hold a special place in his heart.