July 1, according to the latest report from ESPN's famous reporter Shams Charania, former Golden State Warriors center Kevin Rooney has officially reached a contract agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans. The two sides signed a two-year, fully guaranteed contract worth a total of $16 million. The veteran, who played for the Warriors for nine years and won three NBA championships, officially ended his long-lasting farewell to the Bay Area and ushered in a new stage in his career.

In fact, Rooney's becoming a free agent was foreshadowed. In the 2024 offseason, the Warriors chose to exercise the team option for the last year of his contract to express their gratitude for his loyalty and dedication over the past eight years. However, after the free market opened in 2025, the Warriors did not propose a contract extension, and the Pelicans quickly reached an agreement with Rooney. After the signing news was exposed, the Warriors' restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga also forwarded the relevant news on social media to send blessings to his former teammate.

According to NBA reporter Ohm Youngmisuk , Rooney had expressed his intention to return to the Warriors in May this year. However, the Warriors management wanted to adjust the lineup to pursue new opportunities in the finals due to the age structure and competitive state of the team, so they ultimately did not renew Rooney's contract. In this regard, the outside world generally believes that this is a reasonable but slightly regrettable breakup.

ESPN team reporter Kendra Andrews pointed out in a follow-up report that Rooney is the " veteran " player in the Warriors second only to Curry and Green. He not only plays an important defensive role on the court, but also is the spiritual pillar in the locker room. Since being selected by the Warriors in 2015, Rooney has played in many key moments for the team in 9 seasons, played more than 500 regular season and playoff games, and won the championship three times with the team in 2017 , 2018 and 2022 .

In the past 2024-25 season, Rooney played 76 games for the Warriors , averaging 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, and still maintained a high-efficiency blue-collar output. Although his scoring ability is not outstanding, his screen, rebounding and defensive assist abilities are stable all year round, making him a " silent hero " in the Warriors system .

After joining the Pelicans, Rooney is expected to play the role of " stabilizing the sea " in the young lineup , bringing defensive experience and stability to the inside. At the same time, his joining can also set an example for young Pelicans players such as Peavey and Fells, and inject championship culture into the team.

The two- year, $16 million contract Rooney signed with the Pelicans is not only a recognition of his past value, but also an expectation of his future role. As an experienced veteran, Rooney will open a new chapter in his career in New Orleans. In Golden State, his tenacity, low-keyness and loyalty have long won the respect of fans. Whether or not his jersey is retired in the future, Rooney's name will occupy a place in the hearts of Bay Area fans.