Steve Kerr hasn’t closed the door when it comes to returning as head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
Kerr’s contract expired and there’s been speculation that he could walk away, but recent comments from Kerr in an interview with the New Yorker should provide some hope for fans in the Bay Area hoping that Kerr will stick around for a little longer.
Kerr’s Loyalty to Curry and Green
Kerr feels a strong sense of loyalty to his longtime players Steph Curry and Draymond Green, and his commitment to them could extend his stint on the sideline.
“I don’t want to abandon those guys,” Kerr said. “If Steph and Draymond were retiring this year, I think this would be an easy decision: we all go out together and the organization takes their new path. But it’s not that easy because I think Steph’s going to play another couple of years and I think we can still do some good things together.
“But these are all conversations that will happen in the next week or two and we’ll figure it out. And whatever happens, it’s going to end well. I know that, because it’s too important not to.”
The comments are a significant departure from the tone Kerr struck immediately after the Warriors’ season-ending loss. At that time, he spoke of “new blood and new ideas” and the natural expiration date of coaching jobs .
The Internal Optimism Is Fading
A recent report suggested that internal optimism regarding Kerr remaining with the Warriors is starting to fade, and even Green himself said he doesn’t think Kerr will return.
“I hope he’s our coach next season,” Green said. “You want my opinion? I think not. Just because it feels like that. It felt like that was it” .
Multiple league sources have indicated that Kerr is not expected to return barring a significant change of heart . One source told NBC Sports Bay Area that “they could offer Steve $25 million a year, and I doubt that alone would make a difference” .
The Decision: A Week or Two Away
Kerr, however, does not sound like a guy who has definitely decided to walk away. On the contrary, he sounds like a guy who would be open to continuing his career under the right circumstances.
He has been consistent that the decision is not about money . He has been consistent that he needs time and space to think .
The Warriors have given him that time. They have not pressured him. They have not set an artificial deadline.
Now, Kerr is signaling that his loyalty to Curry and Green might be the deciding factor.
The Context: A Dynasty at a Crossroads
Kerr has been the Warriors’ head coach since 2014. He has won four championships. He has coached Curry and Green for their entire primes.
Walking away now, with Curry still playing at an All-NBA level and Green still capable of being a defensive anchor, would be difficult.
Kerr said he does not want to abandon them. Those are powerful words.
The Verdict: Hope Remains
This one really feels like it could go either way. Luckily we won’t have to wait too long to find out, as Kerr plans to make a decision in the near future.
Kerr has said he will sit down with owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. in the next week or so to discuss the future . Everything is on the table, including Kerr’s departure .
But his latest comments suggest that the door is still open. He is not ready to walk away. He is not ready to abandon his players.
He is still weighing his options. And for Warriors fans, that is reason for hope.
The dynasty may be fading. But Steve Kerr may not be ready to let it go. And if he stays, the Warriors will have a chance to make one more run.
The decision is coming. And the basketball world will be watching.