Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, has signed a two-year contract extension worth $35 million. This news comes as no surprise, as Kerr has been an integral part of the Warriors’ success over the past decade. With four championships under his belt, Kerr is one of the most accomplished coaches in NBA history.
The terms of the contract extension were confirmed by team sources late on Friday night, with ESPN being the first to report the deal. Kerr’s new contract makes him the second highest-paid coach in the league, earning $17.5 million per season, just behind Gregg Popovich.
What makes this extension particularly interesting is its duration. Kerr’s contract now aligns perfectly with that of star player Steph Curry. Curry has two years and $115.3 million remaining on his deal, and he will be 38 years old when it expires. This synchronization suggests that Kerr will be leading the Warriors during the final years of Curry’s career, as they aim to remain title contenders before their championship window closes.
There was never any doubt that this deal would get done. Majority owner Joe Lacob has always expressed his faith in Kerr and his willingness to pay whatever it takes to keep him. Kerr himself has shown no signs of coaching burnout and has made it clear that he intends to stick around. In fact, he will also be coaching Team USA at the Olympics this summer, while Curry is expected to participate in Paris.
The Warriors’ season has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by drama, underperformance, and tragedy. The suspensions of Draymond Green sent the team into a downward spiral, and at one point, they had a disappointing record of 19-24. The team also suffered a devastating loss when assistant coach Dejan Milojevic passed away in January after suffering a heart attack during a team dinner. Emotionally shaken, the Warriors faced an uphill battle.
However, there have been recent signs of improvement on the court. Green has returned and performed exceptionally well, while young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski have shown significant development. Additionally, Klay Thompson has accepted a bench role, adding depth to the team. The Warriors have won nine of their last 11 games and are slowly climbing up the standings.
With Kerr’s contract extension now in place, the Warriors can focus on their goal of returning to championship contention. Kerr’s experience and leadership will be crucial as they navigate the challenges ahead. As the Curry era nears its end, the Warriors will rely on Kerr to guide them through this transition period and position them for continued success in the future.
Overall, this contract extension is a testament to the trust and confidence that the Warriors organization has in Steve Kerr. His track record speaks for itself, and with his new deal, he has secured his place as one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. As the Warriors strive to reclaim their status as champions, Kerr will undoubtedly play a vital role in their journey.
