“‘You Don’t Think I’m That Good No More’: Kevon Looney Explains Why He Walked Away from the Warriors”
Kevon Looney’s decade-long chapter in Golden State came to a close this summer, not simply because of a better contract offer, but because he felt the Warriors had quietly withdrawn their trust. In a candid appearance on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast, the three-time NBA champion pinpointed exactly what drove his decision—a growing sentiment that his contributions were no longer valued.
Frustration Behind the Scenes
According to Looney, there wasn’t a single dramatic moment in the playoffs that led to his exit. Instead, it was a pattern of diminishing opportunity. “In the playoffs I didn’t get the chance to do what I do,” he said. “Alright—you don’t trust me anymore.” He added bluntly: “They put me in at the end of Game 7 [vs Houston]. Alright. You don’t think I’m that good no more. You get sick of that at some point. You either trust me or you don’t”(NBA Analysis Network).
Looney emphasized that his concern wasn’t personal—he maintains the utmost respect for coach Steve Kerr, acknowledging that Kerr’s decisions have always been intended to win. But the message he increasingly felt was clear: the Warriors no longer viewed him as a core part of their strategy(NBA Analysis Network).
A Career Built on the Unseen Work
Drafted 30th overall in 2015, Looney overcame early hip injuries to become a dependable anchor of Golden State’s dynasty. He played a key role in three championship runs—especially through his elite rebounding, screen-setting, and defensive versatility. He was known more for hustle than highlights, yet his contributions often went unseen in box scores(Golden State Of Mind).
Looney’s rebounding feats in critical moments speak volumes: 22 rebounds to help close the 2022 series against Memphis and multiple 20+ rebound games in the 2023 Kings series—joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only Warriors to achieve that in a single playoff run(Golden State Of Mind).
Coach Steve Kerr described him as the team’s “foundation piece” and “moral compass,” praising his quiet leadership and professionalism over ten years(San Francisco Chronicle).
An Emotional Goodbye
Looney’s farewell was not just professional—it was deeply personal. He penned a heartfelt tribute on The Players’ Tribune, revealing that his first calls after signing with New Orleans were to Steph Curry and Draymond Green. He called them “my big brothers for the past 10 years,” expressing how emotional it was to tell them he was leaving. “I’m not a big crier,” he admitted, “but calling … someone else was pretty emotional for me. I felt those conversations in my heart.”(Diario AS)
A Calculated Move
Looney ultimately opted for a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans—a more secure offer than the Warriors’ expected taxpayer mid‑level or minimum offer. As he saw it, the decision to leave was about taking control of his future rather than waiting on uncertainty from Golden State. “I want to control my destiny,” he explained.(yardbarker.com)
Legacy and Next Chapter
His departure isn’t just a roster transaction—it’s the end of an era. Looney leaves Golden State having appeared in nearly 600 regular-season games and 89 playoff contests, helping to shape team culture and pacing multiple title runs(San Francisco Chronicle). Warriors now must confront a cultural void, replacing not just his minutes but his stabilizing presence in the locker room(San Francisco Chronicle).
Looney’s journey continues in New Orleans, where he’ll reunite with former Warriors teammate Jordan Poole and bring championship experience to a young roster. But his exit story is clear: when a revered veteran senses that trust has eroded, even the strongest bonds can unravel.
Kevon Looney’s parting message was simple but powerful: faith matters more than history—or salary. And once that trust slips, rebuilding becomes harder than walking away.
