Warriors’ Kerr to consider future, acknowledges that positions have ‘expiration dates’
PHOENIX — Veteran Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recognized after Friday night’s elimination in Phoenix that his tenure with the team might be nearing its conclusion.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Kerr stated. “I still enjoy coaching, but I understand. These positions all have a shelf life. There is a period that occurs, and when that period concludes, it may be time for fresh perspectives and new ideas.”
After the Warriors’ 111-96 play-in defeat to the Suns on Friday night, Kerr mentioned he would take a week or two to reflect on his future before discussing with controlling owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy whether he should continue as head coach.
Kerr, whose contract is set to expire, deliberately chose not to pursue an extension prior to this season and postponed broader discussions regarding his future until after the team’s elimination.
“If [my time is over], then I will be nothing but thankful for the incredible opportunity to coach this franchise in front of our fans and to coach Steph Curry, [Draymond Green], and the entire group,” Kerr remarked. “It may still continue. It may not. I don’t know at this moment. But we all need to take a step back and then reconvene.”
Kerr concluded his 12th season as head coach. The Warriors secured the 2015 NBA championship in Kerr’s inaugural season and added three more titles (2017, 2018, and 2022) in the subsequent years, establishing one of the most remarkable dynasties in league history.
However, the core group has aged, and the Warriors have transitioned from a consistent contender to a borderline playoff team in recent years, achieving records of 44, 46, 48, and 37 wins in the regular season since their last championship, failing to progress past the second round.
This season faltered in January after star wing Jimmy Butler suffered an ACL tear and Curry was sidelined for 27 consecutive games due to a persistent right knee issue. They finished with a 37-45 record, securing the 10th seed and ultimately losing to the Suns with the eighth seed at stake.
In the final moments, Kerr substituted Curry and Green out of the game, gathered them for a brief conversation, and embraced them both after expressing: “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you.”
Green, completing his 14th NBA season, stated after the game that he would not retire. He has a $27.6 million player option for the upcoming season and, despite being mentioned in trade discussions, reiterated his desire to stay with the Warriors.
“Hopefully I’ve done enough to still be here,” Green expressed.
Curry has one season and $62.6 million left on his contract. He indicated he would “for sure” be interested in discussing extension options with the Warriors this summer. At 38, he remains an All-Star caliber player and mentioned he envisions his career extending for “multiple” more seasons.
The most pressing question in the near term is whether Kerr will continue to coach him. Kerr intentionally refrained from discussing his future with Curry during the season, but those conversations are expected to take place in the coming days. Curry reiterated his preference for Kerr to remain as coach but acknowledged that various factors are involved.
“I want Coach to be happy,” Curry stated. “I want him to be excited about the job. I want him to feel he is the right person for the role. I want him to have the chance to enjoy what he does, however that looks for him. Everyone’s plan is their own. He knows how I feel about him.”
Kerr mentioned that his relationship with Curry will play a role as he considers his next steps.
“That’s part of the equation,” Kerr noted. “I don’t want to walk away from Steph. I’m definitely not going to coach elsewhere in the NBA next year. I would never walk away from Steph. But all these factors need to be aligned and appropriate. Those are all discussions that will take place.”
