Steve Kerr and the Warriors: A Future in Suspense
The Golden State Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, is in the final season of his current contract, a common moment in the contract cycle where renowned NBA coaches usually seek or discuss an extension. However, Kerr revealed that he does not plan to negotiate an extension at this time, as he stated on Tuesday after the team’s first training session. He feels comfortable letting his contract expire before defining his future.The Warriors’ three stars, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green, all with two years remaining on their current contracts, form a lineup that Curry has called beneficial, allowing them to focus on a two-year period to pursue another title. Internally, there has been speculation about whether Kerr would seek to align his contract with those of his three stars. Kerr, who is in his twelfth season coaching Curry and Green, remains the preferred coach for both stars. Together, they have achieved four championships. Kerr expressed that he does not feel any urgency to secure his position beyond this season.“I feel very comfortable entering the season with a year remaining. I’m very aligned with [General Manager] Mike [Dunleavy] and [Owner] Joe [Lacob]. We talked about this: there’s no reason for discussion or concern. We’re at a point in our relationship where we’ll just see how it is at the end of the year,” Kerr commented.
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Coach
Kerr began the 2023-24 regular season with a similar contract nearing expiration, but significant negotiations took place at that time. In February of that season, Kerr signed a record two-year, $35 million extension.“I love my job. I love what I do every day. I can’t wait to get to the building. I hope to be here for a few more years. But I think it makes sense for the organization and for me to see where we are at the end of the year, where they are and where I am. Hopefully, that means we’ll repeat, we’ll continue with this group, it would be incredible. But I like the fact that we can do it the way we want,” added Kerr.
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Coach
However, this time the plan is different.
In his statements about his expiring contract, Kerr implicitly acknowledged that the end of this golden era of Warriors basketball is approaching, and that he intends to leave with elegance.“I don’t anticipate any negotiations during the season. Who knows, maybe it will come up at some point and they’ll come to me. But I’m not worried in the slightest. I’m not thinking about it. I just think it makes a lot of sense for all of us [to wait],” Kerr explained.
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Coach
“However it ends, it will be done in a quality way. It will happen the right way. If it’s meant to continue, I’ll move forward. If it’s meant for the team to move forward with somebody else, there will be nothing but gratitude and appreciation. That makes it easy for everybody. Let’s see where we are at the end of the year,” Kerr concluded.
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Coach
