Kevon Looney joins the Pelicans for $16 million over two years

Free agent Kevon Looney has found a new home in Louisiana. The 29-year-old center, three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN sources.

Free agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Life Sports Agency CEO Todd Ramasar and the Pelicans reached a deal tonight for the three-time NBA champion who departs Golden State after 10 years. pic.twitter.com/FAvVBa4Tk6

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

The end of an era in Golden State

Looney was one of the longest-tenured players in the California franchise, alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Selected 30th overall in the 2015 NBA draft from UCLA, the 6’9″ player had spent his entire ten-year career with the Warriors.

10 seasons, 3 championships. The Kevon Looney Warriors era was special 💙 💛 pic.twitter.com/Df5zcaDEuU

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 1, 2025

Last season, Looney averaged 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, primarily playing as a sixth man in 76 games. Despite limited playing time of 15.0 minutes per game, he ranked in the top 10 in offensive rebound percentage among players who appeared in at least 40 games.

His departure aligns with financial considerations for the Warriors, who are forced to reduce their payroll due to new collective bargaining agreement rules. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. had emphasized Looney’s importance last summer, stating that the organization « values him tremendously as a player, teammate, and core piece of this organization. »

A valuable addition for New Orleans

The Pelicans acquire an experienced player who will bring defensive stability and locker room leadership. Looney was also a key element in the Warriors‘ offensive system, ranking in the top 5 in off-ball screens set per 100 possessions according to GeniusIQ.

This signing represents an interesting gamble for the Pelicans, who are looking to strengthen their frontcourt for their playoff ambitions in a particularly competitive Western Conference. Looney became an unrestricted free agent after completing the final year of his three-year, $22.5 million contract with Golden State.