Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says he is comfortable entering the new NBA season without clarity on his long-term future, emphasizing that both sides are content to wait until year’s end before revisiting extension talks.
Kerr, who signed a record two-year, $35 million contract in February 2024, remains the league’s highest-paid coach on an annual basis. His $17.5 million salary will expire at the end of this season, making him a free agent unless a new deal is struck.
Kerr Content to Wait
The 58-year-old coach expressed no urgency in locking up another extension, instead signaling confidence in his relationship with general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and team owner Joe Lacob.
“I’m very comfortable going into the season with a year left,” Kerr said at the start of the training camp. “I’m so aligned with Mike and Joe. We talked about this — there’s no reason for discussion or concern. This is kind of a point in our relationship where let’s just see how it is at the end of the year.”
Kerr added that he does not expect negotiations during the season.
“I don’t anticipate any negotiation during the season,” he said. “Maybe it all comes up at some point, and they come to me. But I’m not the slightest bit concerned about it. I just think it makes perfect sense for all of us [to wait].”
Curry’s Window Shapes Decisions
Golden State’s immediate focus remains on maximizing the championship window of Stephen Curry. The 37-year-old guard has two years left on his contract, a timeline that mirrors that of fellow veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Kerr, Curry and Green are aiming at their fifth championship run together.
The veteran coach acknowledged the franchise’s priorities, noting that roster decisions around Curry could dictate whether he continues as coach beyond this season.
“I love my job,” Kerr said. “I love what I’m doing every day. Hopefully, I’m here for another few years. But I think it makes sense for the organization and for me to see where this thing is at the end of the year — where they are and where I am. Hopefully, that means we run it back, we keep going with this group.”
Kuminga Remains a Question Mark
Complicating matters for Golden State is the ongoing evaluation of 22-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga, the former lottery pick who was once expected to carry the Warriors’ two-year timeline vision into the future. Kuminga recently agreed to return on a two-year, $48.5 million deal that includes a team option in the second year and a 15% trade kicker.
However, his status remains fluid. League rules prohibit Golden State from trading him until Jan. 15, and speculation lingers that his future could depend on both his play and the team’s trajectory.
Kuminga’s ability to mesh within Kerr’s system is considered a swing factor for the Warriors’ season. If he thrives, the team could make another title push. If not, the forward may be moved to recalibrate the roster around Curry.
How Kerr Wants to End
Kerr struck a philosophical tone when discussing the uncertainty surrounding both his own future and the team’s direction.
“However this ends, it’s going to be done in a really quality way,” Kerr said. “If it’s meant for me to keep going, I’m going to keep going. If it’s meant for the team to move on to someone else, there will be nothing but gratitude and appreciation. Let’s see where we are at the end of the year.”
For now, the Warriors and Kerr appear aligned on a wait-and-see approach — one that could define not only the franchise’s immediate title hopes, but also its leadership on the sidelines moving forward.
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