For most role players, leaving a team to join another doesn’t usually get a lot of media attention. However, things are different with the Golden State Warriors and Kevon Looney. The big man closed the chapter with the Warriors after he inked a two-year, $16 million contract to join the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a surprising turn of events since Looney is one of the most tenured players for the Warriors.
Signing a deal with the Pelicans ends his 10-year run in Golden State. He had a great run with the team that drafted him, as he helped the Warriors win three championships. Looney also emerged as one of the most important players of the team. Fans can’t forget his contributions, especially his career-high game during their 2022 playoff run.
Against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals, Looney had 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2. His performance helped set the tone for the Golden State Warriors.
Credit: Getty Images
On Sunday, Looney published a farewell letter to the Warriors via The Players’ Tribune. He expressed his gratitude for the organization, his teammates and the fans for the 10 years he was a part of the franchise.
“How do you say goodbye to a place that practically raised you in a lot of ways? A place that saw you go from a boy to a man? A place where you’ve made so many lifelong friends and experienced some of the best times imaginable?” Looney wrote. “I have so much to be grateful and appreciative for over the past 10 years. This place, it’s truly changed my life forever.
Looney also revealed that the first people he called when he decided to join the Pelicans were Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
“Not every ending has gotta be a sad ending. I’m leaving the Bay with a huge smile on my face. Thank you for the ride.”
With the Golden State Warriors, he put up 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Looney might get his jersey retired by the Golden State Warriors
Credit: Getty Images
Getting a jersey number retired is usually reserved for some of the best players to play for a franchise. However, there have been role players honored by various organizations who have had their jerseys lifted into the rafters. According to NBA insider Marc Spears, there’s a chance that the Golden State Warriors might retire Looney’s No. 5 jersey.
“As odd as it might sound, he may get his jersey retired one day. He’s kind of the hard hat guy for the Warriors. Done everything they asked him to do,” the ESPN reporter said.
Spears also said that it’s going to hurt the Warriors to lose Looney since he’s one of the best veterans who have mentored the young players.
"[Kevon Looney] may get his jersey retired one day. He's been the hard hat guy for the Warriors."@MarcJSpears reacts to Kevon Looney agreeing to a deal with New Orleans ✍️ pic.twitter.com/fvvmur8SiL
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 30, 2025
“Nobody has been a bigger mentor for the young guys on the roster than Looney.”
Golden State Warriors fans are aware of his importance to the team. He’s also one of the most respected figures for the Warriors in recent years. Getting his jersey retired might be possible given how much he’s loved in The Bay.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
