Kevon Looney’s decade-long run in royal blue and gold has officially come to a close. After ten seasons anchoring the paint at Chase Center, the three‑time NBA champion has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Known for his tireless setting of screens, tenacious rebounding, and selfless demeanor, Looney leaves Golden State having cemented himself as one of the most beloved “glue guys” in modern NBA history.
Dub Nation Bids Farewell As Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Looney’s new contract, negotiated by Life Sports Agency CEO Todd Ramasar, takes effect immediately. It reunites him with former Warriors assistant and current Pelicans head coach Willie Green in New Orleans.
Selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of UCLA, Looney overcame significant wrist and hip injuries to carve out a role as one of the league’s premier role players. Standing 6’9″ and renowned for his defensive versatility, he has been the Warriors’ undisputed glue guy.
He has logged over 80 games played in multiple seasons (2018-19, 2021-22, and 2022-23) and thrived in high‑pressure moments, leading the Golden State to three championship titles. During the 2024-25 season, Looney averaged 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists with a 51.4% shooting in 76 contests.
Meanwhile, even as free agency buzzed, Dub Nation refused to let their “Warrior for Life” fade without a proper send‑off. Within minutes of the news breaking, social media lit up with heartfelt tributes. One X user wrote, “Nothing more needs to be said a true warrior always showed up when needed countless times all the best loon!! Warrior for life!! @Loon_Rebel5”
Nothing more needs to be said a true warrior always showed up when needed countless times all the best loon!! Warrior for life!! @Loon_Rebel5 https://t.co/0BChiFsydj
— Peter Duncan ❤️🖤💛💙 (@Peteduncan30) July 1, 2025
Another fan tweeted, “Dude also deserves a good Tribute from the @warriors,” while one other fan expressed, “One of my all time favorites man goo be great LoonDawg.”
One of my all time favorites man goo be great LoonDawg🫡 https://t.co/iJoQO72gfk
— roadto_riches1💰 (@RTR30111) July 1, 2025
Looney’s role may have been understated, but it never went unnoticed by those who appreciate the game’s finer details. A fourth post read, “Forever a all time Warriors player, thank you Loon!” Under an X post by @SportsCenter, one other fan wrote, “Looney was part of so much with the Warriors. What a run indeed.”
Looney was part of so much with the Warriors. What a run indeed.
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) July 1, 2025
Now in New Orleans, Looney will aim to replicate his stabilizing influence. The Pelicans, led by rising stars and boasting one of the league’s most dynamic backcourts, could benefit immensely from Looney’s championship pedigree.
His familiarity with Green’s system should ease the transition, and his presence will undoubtedly be a boon for younger forwards like Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson. For Golden State, the void left by Looney’s departure will be felt. Dub Nation may have lost a jersey-locked comrade, but the outpouring of goodwill ensures that, in spirit, Looney will indeed remain a “Warrior for Life.”
