The Golden State Warriors are facing a pivotal offseason after losing one of their longest-tenured players in free agency. Veteran center Kevon Looney, a key part of three championship runs, has agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
With Looney’s departure, Golden State is searching for a reliable replacement as the market for experienced big men quickly narrows. The team’s next moves could shape its future as it looks to remain competitive in a tough Western Conference.
Warriors’ Search for a New Center Intensifies After Looney’s Departure
On Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Kevon Looney agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Pelicans. The move ends a 10-year run with Golden State, which drafted him with the No. 30 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
During his time with the Warriors, Looney established himself as a reliable rebounder and a smart, unselfish contributor in the Stephen Curry-led offense. Golden State, reportedly aiming to cut costs and add a center who can shoot, decided not to re-sign Looney. His exit leaves the roster without a seasoned big man, and the front office is now working to address the void.
According to The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II, the decision to let Looney walk was driven by the franchise’s “desperate need for a center who can shoot.” Keeping him would have limited the team’s ability to pursue other upgrades.
“The Warriors couldn’t afford to offer him more than the veteran’s minimum without eating into their resources for upgrades,” Thompson wrote. “… Staying with the Warriors would have meant a nearly $5 million pay cut. But for the first time in his career, the market valued him more than the Warriors. Looney got paid. An era has ended. The Warriors will have to find a new backbone.”
The Warriors have been linked to free agent center Al Horford as their preferred replacement for Looney. Horford, an 18-year veteran, brings championship experience and floor-spacing ability, shooting 36.3 percent from three in 2024-25 and 37.7 percent for his career.
However, Horford has received interest from several contenders since the start of free agency, including the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Al Horford has received interest from several contending teams since the start of free agency, including the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told @hoopshype.
– Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 1, 2025
Meanwhile, several other rotation-caliber bigs have already signed elsewhere in free agency. Brook Lopez agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Clippers, while Luke Kornet is heading to the San Antonio Spurs.
Team insider Monte Poole noted that while Looney’s exit was not unexpected, it “surely intensifies [the Warriors’] search for at least one and perhaps two men capable of playing center in their system.” If the pursuit of Horford falls through, it remains unclear which direction the franchise will take next.
