Former Golden State Warriors star Kevon Looney is set to leave for the New Orleans Pelicans, so what’s next for both teams? Read on to find out the latest on the rather bittersweet situation.
Kevon Looney-New Orleans Pelicans
Kevon Looney’s departure to the New Orleans Pelicans is the start of a new beginning. Looney, 29, agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Pelicans, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Looney’s agreement with the Pelicans shouldn’t come as a surprise, as his future was the subject of some doubt.
Looney averaged 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, and shot 51.1% from the field, during the 2024-25 NBA regular season. Looney’s coming off a 2024-25 season in which he was downgraded to the bench he occupied during the height of the Warriors’ dynasty.
Kevon Looney-Golden State Warriors
Kevon Looney’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors came to an abrupt end, whether the Warriors fanbase believed so or not. However, Looney’s $8 million salary was only partially guaranteed, so the Warriors could have saved $5 million by waiving him before the guaranteed date.
Looney remained on the Warriors’ roster past the deadline for his guarantee. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. told reporters the Warriors “value him so much as a player, as a teammate, as a core piece of this organization.”
Final Thoughts
Kevon Looney will sign a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans in the coming days. Looney will leave the Golden State Warriors after 10 years. The Warriors’ roster depth is at risk as no other signings have been made at the time of writing, and Jonathan Kuminga’s future remains uncertain. The Warriors are likely going to be affected at the foundational level, while the Pelicans will likely benefit from Looney’s presence, both on the court and in the locker room.
