SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The echoes of “Looooooney!” that once reverberated through Chase Center will now largely be confined to the archives of Golden State Warriors history. In a move that, while perhaps not entirely unexpected given the shifting landscape of the NBA, still carries a significant emotional weight for the Bay Area faithful, Kevon Looney, the beloved, understated, and incredibly durable center, has finally opened up about his decision to depart from the Golden State Warriors. His reflections paint a picture of a bittersweet farewell, rooted in a complex blend of professional opportunity, personal growth, and the evolving dynamics of a team he called home for a decade.
Kevon Looney’s tenure with the Warriors was nothing short of remarkable. Drafted 30th overall in 2015, he outlasted countless higher picks, overcome numerous injury setbacks early in his career, and transformed himself from a perpetually injured prospect into one of the most reliable and essential role players in the NBA. He was the quiet constant amidst a dynasty, the unsung hero who did all the dirty work: setting bone-jarring screens, battling for offensive rebounds, defending multiple positions, and making timely plays. His selflessness, high basketball IQ, and unwavering commitment to the team earned him the deep respect of his teammates, coaches, and the fan base. He was a three-time NBA champion (2017, 2018, 2022) and played a crucial role in each of those titles, particularly in the later runs.
Looney officially signed with the Houston Rockets in early July 2025, after a protracted period of free agency where the Warriors ultimately moved in a different direction by acquiring veteran big man Al Horford and drafting another center. His departure marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last remaining links to the earliest stages of the Warriors’ dynastic run.
In his candid reflections, Looney reportedly detailed the confluence of factors that led to his difficult decision to leave the team he bled blue and gold for. While no single reason was paramount, it appears to be a calculated choice driven by both personal and professional aspirations.
“I think for me, it just came down to opportunity,” Looney reportedly stated. “After so many years, I felt like I had proven what I can do, but sometimes a team’s direction changes, and so does your role. I wanted to go somewhere where I knew I’d have a consistent role and perhaps more minutes.”
- Evolving Team Needs: The Warriors, under General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Head Coach Steve Kerr, have been in a continuous process of re-tooling to maximize Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years while also integrating young talent. This often means prioritizing different skill sets or more versatile bigs. The acquisition of Al Horford, a stretch-big with significant playoff experience and a different offensive profile than Looney, signaled a shift in strategy.
- Minutes and Usage: Looney’s minutes had fluctuated over the years, often dictated by matchups, injuries to other players, and the team’s evolving offensive and defensive schemes. While he always delivered when called upon, a player nearing 30 often seeks a more defined and consistent role where they can showcase their full capabilities. He played 20.4 minutes per game in 2023-24 and saw a slight dip in 2024-25, averaging around 18 minutes per game as the team experimented with different lineups.
- Proving Himself Beyond Golden State: For a player who was so intricately woven into the Warriors’ fabric, there’s a natural desire to prove one’s value in a new environment, demonstrating that his contributions were not solely a product of the Warriors’ unique system. Moving to a new team provides an opportunity to broaden his game and impact in different ways.
While Looney has always been lauded for his team-first mentality and willingness to take less to stay with the Warriors, the financial aspect of free agency is undeniably a factor. Reports indicate the Houston Rockets offered a competitive multi-year deal, potentially with more guaranteed money and a higher average annual value than what the Warriors were able or willing to offer given their luxury tax constraints and other roster priorities.
- “It’s a business, and you have to make the best decision for your family and your future,” Looney reportedly acknowledged. While his loyalty to Golden State was immense, securing his financial future, especially after his early career injury struggles, was a responsible and necessary consideration.
- The Warriors’ cap situation, deep in the luxury tax, made retaining all their desired free agents incredibly challenging without incurring exorbitant penalties. This often forces tough decisions on both sides.
Despite the logical reasons, the emotional difficulty of leaving was palpable.
- Leaving a Brotherhood: Looney spent his entire NBA career with the Warriors. He grew up alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, forming bonds that extended far beyond basketball. They were his mentors, his brothers, and his champions. “Leaving those guys, leaving Steph, Dray, Klay… that’s the hardest part,” he reportedly confessed. “We built something special together, and those are relationships that will last a lifetime.”
- Saying Goodbye to the Fans: The “Looooooney!” chants were a testament to the appreciation the fanbase had for his blue-collar work ethic and unwavering commitment. He was a fan favorite precisely because he wasn’t flashy but was incredibly effective. Acknowledging the difficulty of leaving the passionate support of the Bay Area was important for him. “The fans here, they embraced me from day one, through all the injuries, through everything. I’m going to miss playing in front of them.”
- The Weight of a Dynasty: Being a part of a dynastic team comes with immense pride, but also the challenge of knowing when the right time is to step away, both for the individual and the team. Looney’s departure signals a further evolution of the Warriors’ roster, away from some of the core pieces that defined their championship runs.
In Houston, Kevon Looney brings more than just a veteran presence; he brings a championship mentality, defensive acumen, and leadership to a young, ascending team.
- Veteran Leadership: The Rockets are building around a young core. Looney’s experience in winning environments, his professionalism, and his quiet leadership will be invaluable in mentoring younger players and instilling winning habits.
- Defensive Anchoring: Looney’s defensive versatility, ability to switch onto smaller players, and strong rebounding will immediately upgrade the Rockets’ interior defense.
- Screen Setting and Offensive Rebounding: He is one of the league’s best screen-setters, which will create more open looks for Houston’s guards and wings. His relentless pursuit of offensive rebounds generates crucial second-chance points.
- Reliability and Durability: After overcoming his early injury woes, Looney transformed into an iron man, rarely missing games. This reliability is a huge asset for any team.
Kevon Looney’s departure from the Golden State Warriors marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the franchise. His reflections reveal a thoughtful, professional, and emotionally complex decision rooted in the pursuit of greater opportunity and the realities of the business side of basketball. While a bittersweet farewell for the Warriors and their fans, it represents a new, exciting chapter for Looney, allowing him to continue his impactful career in a new uniform, carrying with him the indelible legacy of his time as a Golden State champion.
