Perhaps the biggest no-surprise story around the NBA these days is the pending departure of Steve Kerr from his job running the Warriors, a post he has held for 12 years and through four NBA championships. Kerr has not made a decision on whether he will return for next season, and the organization is rightfully giving him ample space and time to make the call. But the signs seem to point to Kerr being out after that.
That, though, only figures to be the first domino for the Dubs. Once Kerr is out, management is expected to take a harder look at the construction of the roster–which was built for the wide-open, flowing offense that Kerr likes to run–and determine whether Golden State can still win with that style. The answer could well be no, and if that is the case, there could be a bigger shift in how the Warriors construct there team from here.
No, that does not mean Stephen Curry will hit the trade block. But it does mean that the Warriors could jettison some of the pieces around him.
Steve Kerr Departure Could Lead to Dumping Draymond Green
In a notes column this weekend, veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein of “The Stein Line” reports with Jake Fischer that there is more at stake in Kerr’s Warriors decision than just the coaching spot.
From the column: “There is a growing belief that the roster overhaul around Curry could prove to be more drastic if Kerr is no longer the coach. Remember that Draymond Green recently shared on his podcast (full version below) that he does not expect Kerr to return and is likewise unsure if the team wants to retain him … although it’s believed that Green, 36, will be presented with the concept of declining his $27.7 million player option for next season to sign a longer-term extension at a lower annual salary.”
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green Make Steve Kerr Want to Return to Warriors
Green himself put out the notion of opting out of the deal and re-signing with the Warriors on a longer extension at lower money, a common move among older players. And given the bond between the two, it would be a big ask for the franchise to tell Curry that they’re shipping out Green after losing Kerr.
In his interview with The New Yorker this week, Kerr highlighted the presence of Curry and Green as one reason he wants to come back.
“This is a really interesting situation, and I’m very respectful of the organization and their place in the universe right now,” Kerr said. “And I know how this stuff works. Most coaching runs just last a certain amount of time, and then it’s best for everybody to move forward. And what we have to figure out is whether now is that time, because what complicates it is we still have Steph [Curry] and Draymond [Green].”
Are There Dramatic Changes for Warriors to Make?
But, should Kerr leave, what would a “dramatic” change in the roster look like, then, especially if Draymond Green does come back?
It could mean the Warriors are willing to attach draft picks to one or more of their two injured starters, Moses Moody and/or Jimmy Butler to bring in another star. It could mean letting Kristaps Porzingis walk in free agency, though he was hardly an important enough factor on the roster to be part of an overhaul.
There aren’t many other names that could move, though. Brandin Podziemski, maybe, but he does not hold great value around the league. The Warriors just gave Gui Santos a new contract (three years and $15 million) and have no intention of trading him. Quentin Post? Al Horford?
Again, not dramatic parts of the roster. Chances are, the team looks pretty similar in 2026-27, regardless of the coach.
Warriors Roster Overhaul May Be ‘Dramatic’ This Summer