Kevon Looney’s departure from the Golden State Warriors this offseason was marked by frustration and uncertainty, capturing the complexities behind NBA free agency decisions. Speaking candidly on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast, Looney described his situation leading up to the move and the unclear communications with the Warriors organization, which contributed to his decision to leave.
Looney recalled the confusing negotiations and lack of a firm offer from the Warriors just days before free agency.
“A few days prior, I didn’t have a solid offer from the Warriors,”
he revealed, emphasizing the prolonged waiting and unclear intentions surrounding his contract renewal. Despite being told to wait for the team’s decisions concerning another player, JK, the promise of better offers never materialized.
“Kept saying you got to wait, see what happens with JK and all that stuff… You wait too long, and the money will be there for you.”
Unfortunately, for Looney, the expected money did not come.
Agent’s Role and Final Decision to Join the Pelicans
As Looney waited on the Warriors’ indecision, his agent Adrian was actively pushing alternative opportunities. On the morning his offer from New Orleans became concrete, Looney admitted skepticism despite hearing good news.
“That morning, he said I looked like I had a solid offer coming in from New Orleans. But you still don’t believe it until it actually happens,”
he shared. Once the deal was official, Looney committed to the change:
“That’s all that’s going to happen. That’s what we’re going to do.”
This marked the end of Looney’s long tenure with the Warriors and the beginning of a new chapter with the New Orleans Pelicans, a team infused with young talent and featuring familiar faces like Jordan Poole. With the Pelicans, Looney anticipates a fresh start where his experience and championship mindset will be valued, moving away from the shifting priorities and lowball offers he encountered in Golden State.
Summer Trip to Africa Offers a Respite Amidst Contract Uncertainty
Amid the offseason turmoil surrounding his contract talks, Looney found solace in a recent trip to Africa, which stood out as the highlight of his summer. Describing the experience, he said,
“It was nice. It was different.”
He appreciated the blend of urban life and lush greenery, reflecting on the unique atmosphere.
“It was a big city, but it still had all the greenery, it still felt like he was in a big city in the jungle, it was kind of cool.”
This moment of escape offered a sharp contrast to the stressful waiting game in his professional life.
Uncertainty with the Warriors’ Offers and Desire for Control
Looney acknowledged his familiarity with Golden State’s negotiation style but expressed frustration at the uncertainty and range of possible contract values.
“What’s really going to happen? I don’t know how they really view me, what they’re really going to offer. With the Warriors, it can vary from the taxpayer mid-level to the minimum. That’s a big difference,”
he explained. His desire to guide his own career path away from hesitant offers was clear.
“I kind of want to control my own destiny… I knew it was going to be a low ball prior to starting, I didn’t want to do that again.”
This sentiment underscored Looney’s decision to leave rather than repeat past disappointments, signaling the importance of having a stable, predictable role rather than prolonged limbo.
A Surreal Moment at the Airport Marks the End of an Era
The emotional core of Looney’s exit might have been best captured in a moment at the airport, where the reality of leaving the Warriors hit him hard. Reflecting on festive memories, he said,
“This is probably going to be my last time barbecuing outside. 4th of July in the Bay… all the memories.”
The familiar surroundings triggered nostalgia for his years in the Bay Area.
However, when confronted by strangers at the airport asking, “Yo, who you play for?” Looney hesitated before answering,
“I got to say somebody different.”
The awkwardness was amplified by the fact that he was still carrying luggage adorned with Warriors tags.
“It was too weird to say. I got all these Warriors tags. I had to find a few luggage because I’ve got Warriors on it. It was weird to say.”
This moment symbolized his tangible and emotional detachment from the team he had called home for years.
Mike Dunleavy’s Negotiation Style and Its Impact
The slow, cautious negotiation tactics of Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. played a role in the extended uncertainty. Despite Looney’s experience and understanding of typical Golden State contract approaches, Dunleavy’s “wait and see” strategy contributed to Looney’s feelings of hesitation and eventually moving on. The delays seemingly pushed Looney toward the Pelicans, where he has the chance to redefine his career on his own terms.
What Lies Ahead for Kevon Looney with the New Orleans Pelicans
Looney’s new team, the New Orleans Pelicans, is known for its promising young roster and dynamic potential. Alongside Jordan Poole, Looney brings championship experience to a squad eager to make its mark. While stretching the floor may not be within Looney’s skill set—
“Will Kevon Looney stretch the floor in New Orleans? Probably about as much as your grandma stretches her legs after a five-hour road trip”
—the team’s composition, featuring limited three-point shooters like Yves Missi and rookie Derik Queen, points to a game centered on strong interior play and paint presence.
Looney’s move signifies a strategic bet on himself, transitioning from a franchise with fluctuating priorities to one that could better utilize his strengths. The fresh environment offers him a meaningful role and an opportunity to leverage his championship insights without feeling undervalued or overlooked. His departure from the Warriors, while tinged with nostalgia, opens a new chapter filled with potential in New Orleans.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Kevon Looney have?
A. Looney successfully dealt with his neuropathy pain, allowing him to participate in all 82 regular-season games. He started 80 of them, setting a personal record, and averaged 21.1 minutes and 7.3 rebounds per game, both career highs.
Q. Why does Kevon Looney wear a mask?
A. Kevon Looney has a broken nose, based on the Warriors’ newest injury report. He will still participate in tomorrow’s game against the Suns, using a face mask.
Q. What disease does Kevon Looney have?
A. He underwent surgery to fix a torn labrum in his hip. He also deals with neuropathy, which impacts his arms and legs.