Steve Kerr’s Future with the Warriors Uncertain

PHOENIX — Steve Kerr’s return for what could be his 13th season with the Warriors is still up in the air.

“It might be more,” Kerr said Friday night after the Warriors lost 111-96 to the Suns, knocking them out of playoff contention. “Maybe not.”

The air has been thick with uncertainty since Kerr decided to step in as coach this year, particularly since his contract expired. This opened the door for speculation about whether this could be his last season with the only team he’s led, during which he’s secured four championships.

And there’s always the presence of Stephen Curry.

“That’s part of the equation,” Kerr acknowledged. “I don’t want to leave Steph.”

As the season wrapped up, Kerr appeared somewhat at ease with the concept of coaching mortality. Throughout the year, he worked diligently to keep his team focused. In the final moments of the game, he gathered with Curry and Draymond Green, sharing a poignant moment.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but if this is the last time, I just want to share this moment,” Curry recounted Kerr saying. “That was a surprising message, in a way.”

“I’m just so grateful for this year because we’ve been through so much together,” Green added. “Maybe it’s the last time.”

“But he left the door open,” Curry noted.

In his remarks to the media shortly after that moment, Kerr didn’t give a firm answer about his future but seemed to entertain the notion that this could potentially be their last season together.

“I still love coaching, but I understand that these positions have expiration dates,” Kerr said. “Teams evolve, and when those changes come, sometimes new perspectives are needed.”

Kerr, now 60, didn’t give a definitive answer right after the loss. He mentioned he would take “a week or two” to reflect and then discuss his situation with general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and owner Joe Lacob to reach a “joint decision.”

“We’ve always had a strong partnership,” Kerr remarked. “I’ll share my thoughts, and then we’ll figure out what’s next for the Warriors. What are the offseason plans? … If we part ways, I’ll just be thankful for the chance to coach this franchise in front of the Bay fans, Stephen Curry, Draymond, the whole team.”

Kerr has led the Warriors for 12 seasons, achieving a record of 604-353 in regular season and making six NBA Finals appearances, capturing four championships.

When asked if he could picture playing for anyone other than Kerr, Green simply replied, “No, I couldn’t.”

Green felt that Kerr’s lack of a contract extension reflected his comfort with his position. Still, he couldn’t shake the concern that this ambiguity might lead to Kerr’s departure.

“I think it would be pretty unbelievable not to consider that possibility,” he stated. “I hope that doesn’t happen.”

Curry expressed surprise at Kerr’s honesty during private moments and with the media afterward. He hadn’t discussed Kerr’s future with him, but sensed that Kerr has been pondering it extensively. Curry is looking for the Warriors to “take a different approach” next season, but he believes Kerr is still the right person to lead.

“I want my coach to be happy. I want him to enjoy this job,” Curry said. “He knows how I feel about him—there’s no need to say more.”

This season, the Warriors ended with a disappointing 37-45 record, marking only the second time they’ve finished with a losing record under Kerr. Injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, along with Curry missing considerable playtime, forced the team to shift from championship aspirations to just hoping to make the play-ins.

If this is the reason, maybe that’s not the reason.

“Believe it or not, it was enjoyable,” Kerr remarked. “I love coaching and being around the staff and players. Despite challenges, it was still fun every day. Obviously, things didn’t pan out as we hoped. Some years go well; some don’t. This was one of those years.”