### Kevon Looney's Departure Marks the End of an Era for the Golden State Warriors Kevon Looney, a pivotal player for the Golden State Warriors, has officially signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, concluding his nine-year tenure with the Warriors. Looney, who was drafted by Golden State in 2015, played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing to three NBA championships during his time with the franchise. His departure signifies a significant transition for the Warriors, as he was a key component of their championship core, known for his defensive skills and durability on the court. ### Breakdown of Kevon Looney's Career and Transition 1. **Career Overview**: - Looney was drafted by the Warriors in 2015 and has been with the team for his entire NBA career. - He won three NBA championships with the Warriors in 2017, 2018, and 2022, becoming a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike [https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/kevon-looney-s-decade-warriors-ends-agrees-join-20401690.php]. 2. **Contract Details**: - Looney's new deal with the Pelicans is worth $16 million over two years, reflecting his value as a seasoned player in the league [https://abc30.com/post/sources-kevon-looney-reaches-2-year-16m-deal-pelicans/16894616]. - This move comes after a season where he averaged 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his consistent performance despite a reduced role [https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/30/reports-beloved-center-kevon-looney-to-depart-golden-state-in-free-agency]. 3. **Impact on the Warriors**: - Looney's departure is seen as the end of an era for the Warriors, who will need to adjust to life without one of their most reliable players [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/warriors_lose_beloved_3_time_champion_in_free_agency/s1_127_42397982]. - His contributions, particularly in defense and rebounding, were vital to the Warriors' success, and his absence will be felt both on and off the court [https://www.ktvu.com/news/kevon-looney-leaves-warriors-pelicans]. ### Supporting Evidence of Looney's Contributions - **Championships**: - 3 NBA titles with the Warriors (2017, 2018, 2022) [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pelicans_signing_longtime_warriors_big_man_kevon_looney/s1_17038_42398043]. - **Performance Metrics**: - Averaged **4.5 points**, **6.1 rebounds**, and **1.6 assists** in the 2024-25 season [https://abc7news.com/post/longtime-golden-state-warriors-center-kevon-looney-reaches-2-year-16m-deal-pelicans-espn-sources-say]. - Played in at least **74 games** for four consecutive seasons, demonstrating remarkable durability [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/warriors_lose_beloved_3_time_champion_in_free_agency/s1_127_42397982]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Looney and the Warriors **Kevon Looney's transition to the New Orleans Pelicans represents a significant shift for both him and the Golden State Warriors.** 1. **End of an Era**: His departure marks the conclusion of a decade-long journey with the Warriors, where he became a fan favorite and a crucial part of their championship success. 2. **Future Prospects**: Looney will bring his experience and toughness to a restructured Pelicans team, aiming to enhance their competitiveness in the Western Conference [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pelicans_signing_longtime_warriors_big_man_kevon_looney/s1_17038_42398043]. 3. **Warriors' Next Steps**: The Warriors will need to fill the void left by Looney, as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the league without one of their most dependable players [https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/30/reports-beloved-center-kevon-looney-to-depart-golden-state-in-free-agency]. This transition not only highlights Looney's contributions but also sets the stage for new opportunities for both him and the Warriors as they navigate the future.