The Golden State Warriors are starting to feel more confident about retaining Steve Kerr with meetings continuing to determine his future. Kerr’s contract expired at the end of this season and sparked fear over the Warriors needing a new head coach. Golden State management felt “positive” after recent meetings and are starting to see a path towards a new deal.
Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel reported the following about the Warriors and Kerr’s next moves:
“Kerr has made his desire to continue coaching public throughout the year and, behind the scenes, has privately communicated such to high-ranking officials within the franchise. A similar tone was once again discussed during meetings between Kerr, owner Joe Lacob, and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. on Monday last week, league sources told ClutchPoints.
The internal feeling after last week’s meetings was positive, and the belief that Kerr will return as the team’s head coach has grown. However, there are still some hurdles for the two sides to get past, with the greatest topics of discussion revolving around philosophical changes and what moves the franchise can make this offseason to drastically increase their chances of winning now.”
This week’s meetings will likely be the end game of seeing if both sides agree enough to sign another long-term deal or if Kerr decides to make a change. Kerr could try coaching another NBA team, coaching in college, or even return to broadcasting as his other options.
Examining The “Hurdles” Between Kerr & Warriors
The report cited that some “hurdles” still exist between the two sides that need ironing out before they start negotiating any contract terms. Kerr apparently wants to make some philosophical changes to the franchise’s roster and playing style after a few years of decline.
Siegl shared the following insight on things what Kerr wants to be improved before returning:
“Despite the notion that he wants to continue coaching and the Warriors want to see him return on a new multi-year deal, both parties have been of the same mindset that their values and ideas for the immediate future of the franchise must align.”
Golden State is going to be a big player on the trade block this season, with rumors to go after Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard to shake up the roster. Kerr apparently has some ideas in mind for the future that he wants to make sure aligns with the front office.
Retaining Steve Kerr Is Massive For Golden State
Kerr could be called out for not getting more out of Jonathan Kuminga and other smaller problems in recent memory. However, he can’t be blamed for the real issues that forced the Warriors to suffer a decline over the past few seasons.
Things like roster construction, age, and injuries have destroyed Golden State’s chances of competing for a title. Jimmy Butler helped the team last year, but Stephen Curry’s playoff injury saw them getting eliminated quietly in the second round.
This season saw Butler getting hurt and Curry having little help behind him. Kerr is a trusted coach and someone that will always be associated with Curry. The Warriors must retain Kerr to keep Curry happy and give them the best chance to end his playing career with more winning. It is a great sign that they feel optimistic and know what the final steps are to extend Kerr.
Warriors Feeling More “Optimistic” About Steve Kerr Staying