Kevon Looney has opened up about his departure from the Warriors, pointing to his reduced roleโespecially in the playoffsโas the turning point.
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๐ฃ๏ธ What Looney Said
On the โWarriors Plus/Minusโ podcast, Looney expressed frustration over his lack of playing time, particularly in matchups calling for his strengths:
> โWeโre going up against Steven Adams, this is what I do. Theyโre not really giving me the chance to really let me do what I do. โฆ yโall donโt trust me. I thought yโall trusted me.โ
He further added:
> โThey put me in at the end of Gameโฏ7โฆ You either trust me or you donโt.โ
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๐ก๏ธ The Context: A Tough Playoffs
In the first-round playoff series against Houston, Looney averaged just 9.3 minutes per game and played only 2 minutes in Gameโฏ6, while facing a bruising center like Steven Adams .
Meanwhile, rookie center Quinten Post logged nearly 17 mpg, which underscored the diminishing role Looney was playing .
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๐ Why It Led to Leaving
After 10 seasons and three championships, Looney felt heโd proven himself but still wasnโt trusted in high-leverage moments .
That perceived lack of trust, combined with the Pelicans offering a two-year, $16โฏmillion deal, made the decision clear .
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โ๏ธ A Fond Farewell
Despite the frustration, Looneyโs exit wasnโt bitter. He penned an emotional letter on The Playersโ Tribune expressing gratitude toward Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and the Warriors organization .
Steph Curry even called him โForever a legend,ย
