The Golden State Warriors are apparently in no rush to get a decision from Steve Kerr since the NBA Playoffs are still going on. Another two months of postseason action will take place before the offseason officially starts for teams around the league. Golden State reportedly has a timeline in mind after Kerr told the front office that he’d need a couple of weeks before deciding on his future.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported the following:
“Steve Kerr has made no decision yet in regard to his future coaching the Golden State Warriors, and the two sides don’t expect to come to any firm determination until next week at the earliest, team sources told ESPN.
Kerr said he needed a week or two for the necessary space, contemplation and bigger picture conversations before deciding whether to seek another contract with the Warriors or walk away from coaching entirely, perhaps into the media space.
‘It’s April,’ one team source said. ‘We don’t need to rush.'”
Another week is needed before Kerr decides to either return to the Warriors to continue coaching or end this chapter of his career. Golden State management is not rushing a decision in April, but they expect him to provide an answer by early May. The Warriors will need time to interview other candidates if Kerr leaves, as many expect him to.
What Happens If Steve Kerr Leaves Golden State?
Kerr leaving the Warriors would see both sides having to figure out their next move. Golden State hopes to retain Kerr to coach Stephen Curry for the rest of his career, but another trusted coach will be needed if Kerr wants out.
Names like Todd Golden, Andre Iguodala, and Sam Cassell have been linked to the Warriors as candidates to potentially replace Kerr. Iguodala, a four-time NBA champion with Golden State, is currently a part-owner of the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors and has no coaching experience, but his name has been floated as an “outside-the-envelope” candidate. Sam Cassell, a respected Boston Celtics assistant, would be a more traditional hire with years of bench experience. Golden State will badly need to find the right voice to manage their locker room if they lose a beloved coach after 12 years of service.
Kerr’s next move may be the more fascinating topic since he has more options. Broadcasting or front office jobs will likely be offered to Kerr if he wants to leave coaching. College basketball coaching jobs have been linked to Kerr, but he could also just leave the public eye to enjoy his life with less stress.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently noted that if Kerr leaves, he wanted the circumstances to be right. He wanted to leave the franchise in good shape and on good terms with Curry and ownership. The decision is not purely about money. “They could offer Steve $25 million a year,” one source told NBC Sports Bay Area, “and I doubt that alone would make a difference.”
What Happens If Steve Kerr Stays With Warriors?
The Warriors still hope to keep Kerr and believe he gives them the best chance to contend. Kerr has led Golden State to four NBA Championships over the past 11 years with three different roster constructions.
Important decisions will be made after the Warriors figure out their coaching predicament due to the pivotal offseason coming up. Golden State is rumored to have interest in LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade or free agency.
The Warriors clearly need a big star to improve their chances of title contention. Kerr returning would certainly help their odds of impressing stars on the market. The stability that Golden State found with Curry and Kerr as their foundation pieces helped them convince many talents to join the roster throughout the years.
Curry has made his position clear: he wants Kerr to stay. But he also respects that the decision is personal. “I want Coach to be happy,” Curry said. “I’m not going to try to tell anybody what to do. He knows how I feel about him.”
The Bottom Line
Kerr has earned the right to take his time. He has four championships. He is the winningest coach in Warriors history. He has nothing left to prove.
The organization wants him back. The players want him back. But Kerr has to want to come back.
His decision will set the tone for the Warriors’ entire offseason. If he stays, the focus can shift to roster construction and trade discussions. If he leaves, the Warriors will be searching for a new coach while also trying to convince stars that Golden State is still a destination.
The wait is almost over. By early May, the basketball world will know whether Steve Kerr is staying or going. And whichever way he leans, the Warriors will be ready to move.