Steve Kerr’s Decision to Stay with the Warriors

When Steve Kerr was contemplating his future as head coach of the Warriors, his wife’s words struck a chord with him. “Maybe someday I’ll coach again,” he reflected, “but you’ll never coach the Warriors again.”

Those remarks lingered in his mind, leading him to sign a two-year contract extension with Golden State last month. The Warriors have carved out a remarkable legacy in the league over the last decade, and there are many elements that contribute to that. They’ve clinched four championships in eight years, thanks in part to Steph Curry’s remarkable scoring streaks and Draymond Green’s defensive prowess. And, of course, there’s the iconic celebrations and undeniable joy that accompany their victories.

Yet, amidst all of that, what truly distinguishes the Warriors is their loyalty.

Kerr has been at the helm for Curry and Green for 12 years, while the two players have shared the court for 14 years. They formed the longest-tenured trio in the league until Klay Thompson left for free agency in 2024.

It’s quite astonishing to consider.

In a league notorious for its rapid turnover, where players readily weaken their teams by pushing for trades, the Warriors represent an anomaly. As Kerr weighed his options on whether to endure the relentless grind of another NBA season under scrutiny, Curry and Green became the guiding lights persuading him to stick with it.

“The three of us are a family,” Kerr insisted.

They’ve risen to the top together but have also battled through tough times. They’ve had their share of conflicts, but beneath it all is a profound bond filled with love.

There was a moment when Kerr and Curry visited Green at his home, spending hours comforting him as he faced challenges. Green has always put everything on the line for them, and their collective experience includes 152 postseason games since 2015, which is like an additional two NBA seasons.

Kerr holds Curry in high regard, calling him extraordinary, while labeling Green as the best defender he’s ever encountered. During a period of uncertainty, Green expressed his hope that Kerr would return, while Curry simply voiced his desire for happiness.

“He knows how I feel about him,” Curry mentioned to the press back in April.

The dynamic between Green and Kerr is complex. They’ve had very public disagreements and intense private discussions. Green’s fiery passion, which sometimes clashes with Kerr’s focused intensity, has been crucial yet tumultuous.

“There are things he did that I will never forgive,” Green remarked on his podcast, while still expressing unwavering loyalty.

Curry and Green practically grew up side by side. They celebrated victories and witnessed each other’s journeys into fatherhood. While Green’s role is to ignite passion, Curry embodies a more laid-back style, making them a perfect match on the court.

It’s remarkable to see such enduring relationships in coaching and player dynamics.

Kerr and Erik Spoelstra of the Heat are the only NBA coaches who have been in their positions for over five years. Meanwhile, Curry and Green have become one of the longest-lasting duos in NBA history, surpassing even legendary pairings like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen or Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Things are shifting in Warriors territory, though. This season marked the first time Green found himself in trade rumors, and both he and Curry are aging at 36 and 38, respectively. They haven’t navigated past the second round of the playoffs since their last championship win in 2022.

Yet, one thing is crystal clear: the bond between Kerr, Curry, and Green is unshakeable—especially as they confronted the possibility of their time together dwindling.

The season was jolted when Jimmy Butler sustained a torn ACL, while Curry battled through a knee injury that sidelined him for 27 games, causing their playoff hopes to fizzle. In a critical clash with the Clippers, however, Curry and Green showcased their championship spirit, turning around a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to clinch a 126-121 victory.

Curry netted 35 points with impressive shooting, while Green held Kawhi Leonard to dismal numbers, leaving the superstar feeling frustrated.

After reflecting on a season that rekindled their competitive edge, Kerr expressed pride. “For one night only, we are us,” he declared, “we are champions again.”

Sadly, their momentum evaporated in the next play-in game, ending the season with a loss to the Suns. After that game, Kerr embraced Curry and Green, expressing affection and uncertainty about their future together.

“You never know what’s going to happen next,” he said. “But I love you guys to death.”

In the following weeks, questions loomed. Would Kerr continue coaching? Did the Warriors’ long-term vision conflict with his win-now mentality? Was this the end of a historic dynasty?

Ultimately, Kerr chose to return for a 13th season alongside Curry and Green.

The Warriors have not been regarded as championship favorites for four years. Their focus has shifted from simply winning to exploring how far they can push together. They maintain a belief that, if healthy, they would be a formidable challenge for any opponent.

And, truth be told, they might just be right. It’s a tough chapter to conclude.

As Kerr mulled over his choices, his wife reminded him of the real reason he chose to stay. He wasn’t prepared to part ways with Curry and Green.