Warriors lose 3-time NBA champion in shocking free agency decision

The end of an era for the Golden State Warriors.

A three-time NBA champion has said peace out.

Kevon Looney is signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Looney has been the steadying presence in his 10 seasons with the Warriors. He had seasons where he started almost every game, and seasons where he started almost none.

He was never a huge scorer, but he was always a calm face in the middle of the floor.

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Overall, Looney played 599 games for the Warriors after they took him with the final pick of the first round in 2015.

His career averages are 5.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He shoots 57.5% from the floor.

It's an unexpected amount of money for Looney, who probably had to take this deal.

Looney could try and serve as a nice veteran presence for the Pelicans, a younger team that hasn't figured out how to win yet.

New Orleans will likely be starting second-year center Yves Missi on the inside. Looney can be a perfect mentor there.

Meanwhile, Golden State might look for a different center. Al Horford is a free agent and has been a suggestion. Stay tuned here.

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