An era quietly came to a close as Kevon Looney, a staple of Golden State’s dynasty, agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. The three-time NBA champion leaves the Warriors after a decade of unselfish hustle, gritty rebounding, and anchoring the paint through title runs.
By letting Looney go, the Golden State Warriors made a quiet but meaningful shift this free agency that signals a potential turning point in the franchise’s future. While the departure of Looney is significant in itself, what it might unlock is even more intriguing.
His exit can open the door for another veteran, Al Horford, a name tied to winning and respected across the league, to land in the Golden State.
Warriors Linked to Al Horford After Kevon Looney’s Departure to the Pelicans
With Looney gone, the Warriors are poised to make a major addition, which suggests they’re all in on chasing another ring. NBA insider Ohm Youngmisuk reported:
“With Kevon Looney gone now, all signs look like it points to Al Horford (to the Warriors). League sources have been saying that — seems like the Warriors and Horford, seems like the perfect fit locked in.”
Horford, who won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2024, is now an unrestricted free agent. Despite turning 39 earlier this month, he remains a smart, floor-spacing big who can anchor a defense, stretch the floor, and bring leadership to a roster already built around proven winners.
“With Kevon Looney gone now, all signs look like it points to Al Horford (to the Warriors)”
(🎥 @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2025
The fit with Golden State is hard to ignore. The team has been lacking a stretch center for years, someone who can space the floor alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and newly acquired Jimmy Butler. Horford checks all those boxes. He brings championship pedigree, high basketball IQ, and the kind of two-way versatility Steve Kerr’s system thrives on.
Besides, this wouldn’t be the first time the Warriors double down on veterans. Their mid-season acquisition of Butler helped them surge late last season. Now, adding Horford could help solidify a starting five loaded with experience, and one capable of contending in a loaded Western Conference.
Even at 39, Horford averaged valuable minutes, 27.6 minutes per game, in the 2024-25 season. Besides, he contributed crucially on both ends during the Celtics’ 2024 title run. Horford averaged seven points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in five games in the 2024 NBA Finals.
His durability, spacing, and defensive presence would be a huge boost for a Warriors team that has often struggled with frontcourt depth. If the Warriors bring in Hoford, the message will be clear that they are loading up for one more push for the NBA title.
