Looney leaves the Warriors and turns to the Pelicans sparks heated discussion and nostalgia

On July 1, 2025, on the first day of the free agent market, many teams such as the Rockets, Nuggets and Hawks successively operated to strengthen the lineup. Among them, the Rockets can be called the biggest winner of the first day of the free market. At the same time, the Warriors did not make any moves, and the three-time champion Kevin Looney has confirmed his departure and chose to join the Pelicans with a two-year, $16 million contract, which also means the end of his 10-year Warriors career. In response, Warriors coach Poole expressed his excitement and welcomed Looney's new chapter.

According to well-known journalist shams, Kevin Looney and the Pelicans signed a new contract worth $16 million for two years. The Pelicans used part of the full middle class exception to sign Looney. Therefore, Looney is about to leave the Warriors and end his 10-year cooperation with the Warriors. In the new season, he will wear a Pelicans jersey, start a new chapter, and assist Zion on the court to fight for the playoffs together.

Reported that after Looney left, the Warriors pursued Horford with all their might, hoping to introduce this space-type center. But many teams such as the Lakers are also competing for Horford. Looney's decision to leave the Warriors has sparked widespread heated discussion. American media have posted photos of Looney winning the cup during the Warriors, saying: "With him, the Warriors would never be able to win these championships. Pay tribute to this meritorious player in the Bay Area!"

Another American media posted a poster and wrote: "10 years, 3 championships, Looney's Warriors career is very special." American reporter Marc J-Spears said: "Kevin Looney may one day be lucky to see his jersey retired from the Warriors. He has always been the kind of blue-collar player who silently makes and never retreats."

Regarding Looney's decision to leave the Warriors to join the Pelicans, Borox Pojemsky released four heartbreaking expressions to say goodbye to Looney; Poole, a veteran player who was previously traded to the Pelicans by the Wizards, forwarded the news and wrote: "Wow, this is so exciting!" Poole and Looney played for the Warriors for four years, and jointly assisted the Warriors in the 2021-22 season. Now they will gather again in New Orleans to help Zion enter the playoffs together.

Loney was selected by the Warriors at the 30th pick in the first round in 2015. He has played for the Warriors for 10 seasons so far, participating in 599 regular season games, and averaged 4.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. In 89 playoff games, he averaged 5.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, helping the Warriors win three championships.