The backbone of any team often goes unnoticed until it’s no longer there to support it. For the Golden State Warriors, Kevon Looney was that backbone. And now, after a decade filled with triumphs and tenacity, Looney is taking his talents to the New Orleans Pelicans with a two-year, $16 million contract. For a team known for its impressive championships, this marks another piece of their storied past making its way into history.
Looney has been a warrior in every sense of the word—drafted in 2015, he was a part of three championships with the team. Known primarily for the selflessness, integrity, and resilience he brought to the court, his departure is a stark reminder that change is inevitable, even for dynasties like Golden State’s.
In the intricate dance of the Warriors, Draymond Green’s passion kept the team’s heart pumping, while Steph Curry’s brilliance led the way. The team already felt a deep void when Klay Thompson left for Dallas in 2024, and now, with Looney’s exit, they’ve lost the quiet stalwart who helped anchor them, especially during their 2022 title run.
What makes Looney’s story so captivating is not the numbers per se. Averages of 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a half a block per game are stats many might consider replaceable. Yet those who followed the Warriors’ journey know Looney’s contributions went beyond the scoreboard. His was a game of grit and gratitude, coming back from two hip surgeries and overcoming the “bust” label with sheer perseverance and professionalism.
Throughout his career, Looney evolved from a late-first-round pick learning under the wings of stars like Kevin Durant and David West, to a key player in significant moments. In the 2018 Western Conference finals, he held his own against Houston’s James Harden. In 2019, while stars fell to injuries, he played on with a painful rib injury. Looney’s knack for stepping up when needed was unrivaled—be it defending against Memphis in 2022 or helping to mend locker room chemistry in 2023 after some internal scuffles.
Looney’s value shone brightest in adversity. He had a way of uniting the locker room, respected by veterans and admired by younger players. His influence was never about flash but about fostering a winning culture, leading by example. He was the ultimate team player, someone whose presence was a daily reminder to put team success above personal accolades.
But the business of basketball doesn’t always translate heart into contract dollars. A mere 18.5 percent shooting from three-point range doesn’t scream payday, yet Looney’s impact on winning was invaluable. With the Warriors constrained financially, Looney was left to seek opportunities elsewhere, which ended with him securing a well-deserved contract with the Pelicans.
As Looney walked away after the Warriors’ series loss in the Western Conference semifinals, there was no bitterness—just an embrace of the unknown future. That’s quintessential Looney—consistent, dependable, undeterred. “Same s—, different summer,” he remarked in May, contemplating his journey.
And just like that, the Warriors find themselves searching for a new backbone, while Looney embarks on a new chapter. His story with Golden State reminded us that sometimes the ones who don’t court the limelight are those who truly hold the team together. His legacy with the Warriors will remain steadfast—as unyielding as Looney himself was on the court. No. 5 was indeed the one.
