Kevon Looney, who recently signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, shared intimate details about his last conversation with Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry as part of his departure. In a heartfelt message to The Players’ Tribune, Looney revealed that his first calls were to Curry and Draymond Green, whom he considered like older brothers during his decade-long tenure with the Warriors. The emotional exchange underscored the deep bonds formed over the years, highlighting the sense of family that he experienced with the team.</p>
Looney described this final contact as both a goodbye and a celebration of their journey, saying,
“What a journey we all went on together! Ten amazing years. It’s been one hell of a ride!”
These remarks reflect the resilience and close-knit nature of his relationship with the Warriors’ core players.
Tracing Kevon Looney’s Growth and Impact with Golden State
Looney joined the Warriors right after their historic 2015 NBA Championship victory, entering during the season following their record-setting 73-9 run. Initially, he played only five games as a rookie, but his involvement grew steadily throughout his years in San Francisco. His breakout season came in 2018-19, when he appeared in 80 games and started 24, mostly providing crucial support alongside DeMarcus Cousins.
After some fluctuations in playing time, Looney solidified his place as a starting center during the 2021-22 season. He played in all 82 games and started 80, averaging 6.0 points and 7.3 rebounds over 21 minutes per game. His contributions were particularly memorable in the 2022 Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, where he posted dominant performances, including a 21-point, 12-rebound game and another with 10 points and 18 rebounds, cementing his status as a franchise legend.
Despite moving on, Looney maintained his close ties to the Bay Area, stating,
“I’m Bay Area for life, no matter where I go.”
His words affirmed the lasting connection he feels with the Warriors and their fan base.
Anticipating Looney’s Veteran Role with the New Orleans Pelicans
Kevon Looney‘s transition to the New Orleans Pelicans marks a new chapter where his leadership and experience will be vital. The team’s young center lineup includes 2024 All-Rookie Yves Missi and Derik Queen, the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With his postseason experience and championship pedigree, Looney is expected to mentor this emerging core while continuing to deliver steady performances on the court.
Although Looney is no longer part of the Warriors, his commitment to his former team and the Bay Area remains unwavering, suggesting that his legacy there will persist even as he embarks on new opportunities in New Orleans.
The Warriors’ Current Offseason Moves and Future Outlook
The Golden State Warriors’ offseason has been relatively quiet after acquiring Jimmy Butler in a trade deadline deal earlier. Their most notable roster additions since then have been drafting Alex Toohey and Will Richard in the 2025 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, the departure of Kevon Looney marks the end of a significant era for the franchise, particularly given his contribution to the team‘s success over the past decade.
As the Warriors prepare for the next season, questions remain around their evolving roster and how new and remaining players will step into larger roles. The team’s talent depth will be tested, especially with the shifting dynamics caused by Looney’s exit and other roster adjustments.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Looney’s Departure on Warriors and Pelicans
Kevon Looney’s exit from Golden State is significant, not just for the composition of the Warriors, but for the broader NBA landscape. His veteran presence and reliability will be an asset for the Pelicans, who are building around youthful talent and looking to develop a strong competitive identity. For the Warriors, Looney’s departure means the loss of a seasoned player who played key roles in critical postseason moments.
Given Looney’s reflections and the respect articulated between him, Curry, and Green, his influence on the Warriors transcends on-court performance. His connection with the franchise and community endures, highlighting the personal and team growth that drove their successes together. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how both Looney’s new journey and the Warriors’ next chapter unfold.