It’s official: Kevon Looney’s era with the Golden State Warriors is over — and the reason behind his exit has stunned the basketball world. After years of battling on the hardwood, anchoring the defense, and being one of the team’s most reliable players in the postseason, Looney says he reached a breaking point.
Speaking candidly about his decision, Looney revealed a growing frustration that boiled over during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. His minutes dwindled, his role diminished, and his confidence — once nurtured by Steve Kerr and his coaching staff — began to erode. “They didn’t really give me a chance to do what I can do,” he said. “It felt like… okay, people don’t trust me anymore.”
Sources close to the situation say the 29-year-old center felt particularly hurt after losing his starting role to a rookie — a decision that left him benched during crucial defensive possessions, even against powerhouse big men like Steven Adams of the Houston Rockets. “That’s when it hit him,” one insider said. “He realized he wasn’t part of their long-term plans anymore.”
For Looney, who has spent his entire career with Golden State since being drafted in 2015, the shift was emotional. He had sacrificed through injuries, played through pain, and stood by the team through highs and lows — from championship parades to injury-plagued seasons. But this time, loyalty wasn’t enough.
Beyond the emotional toll, contract negotiations became the final straw. Looney wanted security — and respect — in his next deal. The Warriors, constrained by luxury tax pressure and shifting priorities, reportedly offered him only a low-tier or minimum contract. “He knew what that meant,” an agent told ESPN. “He knew they were ready to move on.”
Then came the lifeline: the New Orleans Pelicans, who swooped in with a two-year, $16 million offer — a deal that showed belief in his abilities and gave him the autonomy he wanted. “He didn’t want to sit around waiting for a pity deal,” the source added. “He wanted to take control of his future.”
Looney’s departure marks more than just another roster move — it’s the end of a chapter. A player once praised by Draymond Green as “the heart of our defense” and by Kerr as “the ultimate professional” now walks away feeling underappreciated.
Fans across Dub Nation are divided. Some blame the team’s front office for mishandling a loyal veteran, while others believe the Warriors are simply moving toward a younger, faster era built around emerging stars. But one thing is certain — the quiet stability Looney brought to Golden State’s dynasty will be deeply missed.
“I’ll always be watching them,” Looney said, a bittersweet smile crossing his face. “Those are my brothers. I just needed a fresh start — somewhere I can feel trusted again.”
As the Warriors prepare for another season of transition, one truth echoes louder than ever: championships may be built on talent, but they’re sustained by trust. And for Kevon Looney, that trust is something he’ll now seek — somewhere else.
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