The Golden State Warriors have won four championships in the past nine years, but they are nearing the end of their current dynasty. General manager Bob Myers resigned at the end of the season, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. has taken over as the new franchise leader. Steve Kerr, the head coach, is 57 years old and nearing the end of his contract. He expects to be with the Warriors for the long term but has not yet reached an extension. Most coaches prefer to have extensions before the final year of their contracts to maintain locker room authority, but Kerr’s credibility is not in question after winning four championships. If a new deal isn’t reached, Kerr is comfortable entering the season on an expiring contract.
Kerr was hired in 2014 to replace Mark Jackson as head coach. He led the Warriors to immediate success, winning a championship in his first season. Since then, he has reached the Finals in six of his nine seasons and won the championship four times. If Kerr becomes a free agent, he would be the most desirable coaching candidate since Phil Jackson in 1998. The Warriors could re-sign Kerr at the end of the season, but there could be intense competition for his services.
The Warriors would prefer to avoid a situation where Kerr’s contract expires without a new deal, similar to what happened with former general manager Bob Myers. To extend their dynasty, bringing Kerr back beyond this season is likely necessary.
