After a decade as a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, Kevon Looney’s time in the Bay Area has come to an end. On June 30, 2025, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the three-time NBA champion signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, marking a significant shift for both Looney and the Warriors. Relegated to a bench role in 2024-25, Looney’s rebounding prowess and leadership were undeniable, yet Golden State’s financial constraints under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) forced tough decisions. As the Warriors aim to dodge the luxury tax’s second apron, Looney’s departure signals a pragmatic move, following the exit of franchise legend Klay Thompson. How will Looney’s skills bolster the Pelicans’ playoff push, and what does this mean for Golden State’s future? Let’s analyze Looney’s impact, his fit in New Orleans, and the Warriors’ evolving identity.
Dunleavy on the Warriors guaranteeing Kevon Looney’s contract for next season pic.twitter.com/aWuyvB9LEB
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 24, 2024
The Context: Looney’s Warriors Tenure and Departure
Kevon Looney, drafted 30th overall in 2015, became a Warriors mainstay, contributing to three championships (2015, 2017, 2018) with his relentless rebounding and defensive grit. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 15.0 minutes off the bench, a reduced role as coach Steve Kerr leaned on 2023 second-round pick Trayce Jackson-Davis, who averaged 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds. Looney’s $8 million salary was only partially guaranteed last offseason, sparking speculation about his future. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. opted to keep him, stating, “We value him so much as a player, as a teammate, as a core piece of this organization,” but added that releasing him without return made little sense.
The Warriors’ decision to let Looney walk in 2025 reflects the harsh realities of the NBA’s new CBA. With punitive penalties for second-apron teams, owner Joe Lacob outlined a plan to escape the luxury tax, telling The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami in February 2024, “We need to be out of the tax two years out of the next four … It’s just so prohibitive.” After parting ways with Klay Thompson, another dynasty cornerstone, Golden State’s unsentimental approach extended to Looney, whose departure saves $5 million in guaranteed salary. This move aligns with their goal to maintain roster flexibility while staying competitive with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Looney’s Impact: A Rebounding and Leadership Anchor
Looney’s value transcended his modest stat line. A tenacious rebounder, he ranked in the 82nd percentile for defensive rebounding rate (19.1%) in 2024-25, per Cleaning the Glass, often cleaning up misses in clutch moments. His screen-setting and hustle were integral to Golden State’s motion offense, creating space for Curry’s 42.7% three-point shooting. In the 2022 playoffs, Looney’s 7.6 rebounds per game, including 2.2 offensive rebounds, helped the Warriors secure their fourth title. His durability—playing 70+ games in five straight seasons—and locker-room presence made him a glue guy, earning praise from Kerr as “the heart of our team.”
X fans lamented his exit, with one user posting, “Looney’s hustle and boards were Warriors DNA. New Orleans got a steal!” Another wrote, “Kevon’s leadership can’t be replaced. This hurts.” His departure leaves a void in Golden State’s frontcourt depth, especially with Green’s injury concerns at 35 and Jackson-Davis still developing as a starter (56.1% FG, 0.7 blocks per game). The Warriors’ 22nd-ranked rebounding rate (49.1%) could take a hit without Looney’s tenacity.
Fit with the Pelicans: A Playoff Push Booster
The New Orleans Pelicans, coming off a 49-33 season and a first-round playoff exit, see Looney as a key addition to their frontcourt. With Zion Williamson (22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds) and Brandon Ingram (20.8 points, 5.7 assists) leading a talented roster, the Pelicans lacked consistent center depth behind Daniel Theis, who started 59 games but averaged just 6.2 rebounds. Looney’s two-year, $16 million deal—$8 million annually—offers a cost-effective upgrade, providing rebounding, defense, and veteran leadership for a team aiming to climb the Western Conference.
Looney’s skill set complements New Orleans’ up-tempo style, which ranked 8th in pace (100.1). His 6.1 rebounds in limited minutes will bolster their 15th-ranked rebounding rate (50.3%), while his 1.8 assists per game add subtle playmaking. Defensively, Looney’s ability to switch onto guards and hold his own in the post (opponents shot 54.2% at the rim against him) aligns with coach Willie Green’s switch-heavy scheme. Pairing Looney with Williamson creates a dynamic frontcourt, with Zion’s explosiveness drawing attention and Looney cleaning up on the glass. Analyst Zach Buckley noted, “Looney’s a perfect fit for a Pelicans team needing stability at center without breaking the bank.”
His leadership will also guide young bigs like Yves Missi, a 2024 first-round pick, and veteran Theis. X users are optimistic, with one tweeting, “Looney in NOLA? That’s the grit Zion needs to get to the second round!” Another added, “Kevon’s gonna set monster screens for BI and CJ. Pelicans are cooking.”
Challenges: Replacing Looney and Pelicans’ Integration
For the Warriors, losing Looney poses challenges. Jackson-Davis, while promising, lacks Looney’s rebounding efficiency (13.8% vs. Looney’s 19.1% defensive rebound rate) and playoff experience. Green’s durability concerns—missing 15 games last season—heighten the need for a reliable center, and current backup Gui Santos (4.2 points, 2.9 rebounds) is unproven. Golden State’s pursuit of Deandre Ayton (+235 odds, per Bovada) signals intent to fill the gap, but integrating a new big into Kerr’s system could disrupt chemistry. The Warriors’ 10th-ranked defense (109.2 rating) may slip without Looney’s hustle, especially against Western heavyweights like Denver and Minnesota.
For New Orleans, integrating Looney requires adjusting rotations. Theis and Missi will compete for minutes, and Looney’s limited scoring (4.5 points) means Williamson and Ingram must carry the offensive load. His 20.1% three-point shooting doesn’t stretch the floor, potentially clogging driving lanes for CJ McCollum (20.0 points, 38.9% from three). Still, Looney’s low-usage role (11.3% usage rate) ensures he won’t demand touches, focusing instead on the dirty work. The Pelicans’ tough Western Conference schedule—facing teams like the Thunder and Clippers—will test Looney’s ability to stay effective at 31.
The Bigger Picture: Warriors’ Rebuild and Pelicans’ Ambition
The Warriors’ decision to let Looney go reflects a broader shift. With a $178 million payroll, staying below the second apron ($188.9 million) is critical to avoid roster-building restrictions. Lacob’s goal to exit the tax in two of the next four years forced tough choices, and Looney’s $8 million salary, though modest, was a casualty. The Warriors, fresh off a second-round playoff run, remain contenders with Curry and Butler, but their frontcourt depth and rebounding must improve to challenge the West’s elite. X posts reflect mixed emotions, with one user stating, “Losing Looney stings, but the Warriors had to get under the tax. Ayton better deliver.”
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are all-in on a playoff push. Their 49 wins last season showed promise, but a lack of frontcourt stability hindered them against physical teams like the Lakers. Looney’s addition, alongside Williamson’s health (played 70 games in 2024-25) and Ingram’s All-Star caliber, positions New Orleans as a dark horse. As free agency unfolds on June 30, 2025, the Pelicans’ front office, led by David Griffin, aims to build on this momentum, potentially targeting additional depth to complement Looney.
Kevon Looney’s departure from the Golden State Warriors after a decade marks the end of an era, but his two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans opens a new chapter for the three-time champion. His rebounding, defense, and leadership will bolster a Pelicans team eyeing a deep playoff run, while his exit leaves the Warriors grappling with frontcourt questions amid a tax-driven roster overhaul. For New Orleans, Looney is a low-cost, high-impact addition, perfectly suited to support Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. As the Warriors pivot to new targets like Deandre Ayton, the NBA world watches to see if Looney can elevate the Pelicans to contender status and how Golden State adapts without one of its unsung heroes. Will Looney’s grit power a Pelicans breakthrough, and can the Warriors stay elite? The stage is set for a thrilling 2025-26 season.