Steve Kerr is poised to enter the final year of his contract with the Golden State Warriors as the 2025-26 season approaches. Neither he nor the team are rushing to discuss a new deal. Following the Warriors` initial day of training camp, Kerr stated that he doesn`t anticipate engaging in contract negotiations during the season. Instead, he and the front office intend to meet next spring or summer to collectively plan their future.
This marks the second year of a two-year, $35 million agreement Kerr signed in February 2024. This extension positioned him as the highest-paid coach in NBA history, commanding an annual salary of $17.5 million.
“I`m perfectly comfortable starting the season with a year remaining on my deal,” Kerr remarked. “Mike and Joe and I are so aligned that we`ve already discussed this. There`s no cause for talks or concern. This is a point in our relationship where it simply makes sense to see how things unfold by the year`s end.”
Kerr has undeniably earned every cent of his most recent extension, boasting four NBA championships and a reputation as one of the most esteemed coaches in league history. His six NBA Finals appearances and the record-setting 73-win season in 2015-16 highlight a distinguished career that began in 2014.
“I truly love my job,” Kerr affirmed. “I enjoy what I do every single day. I can`t wait to get to the arena. I hope to be here for several more years, but I believe it`s wise for both the organization and myself to assess the situation at the end of the year – where they stand, and where I stand. Hopefully, that means we continue with this group. That would be fantastic. But I appreciate the flexibility we have to approach this on our own terms.”
The Warriors` offseason was largely uneventful, as they re-signed all their free agents except Kevon Looney and only traded draft picks. The main point of contention was a contract dispute with Jonathan Kuminga, who reportedly inked a two-year deal with the Warriors on Tuesday, concluding his restricted free agency.
“I don`t foresee any negotiations taking place during the season,” Kerr reiterated. “Who knows, perhaps it might come up at some point – they might approach me, or whatever. But I`m not even slightly worried about it. I don`t give it much thought. I just believe it`s the ideal approach for all parties involved.”
“As I`ve probably said before, however this concludes, it will be handled with integrity. It will happen the right way. If I`m meant to continue, I will. And if the team is meant to move on with someone else, there will be nothing but profound gratitude and appreciation. This simplifies everything for everyone.”
The 2027 offseason could prove to be a pivotal juncture for the franchise. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green are all slated to see their contracts expire at the close of the 2026-27 campaign, compelling the Warriors to make difficult decisions regarding their re-signing as they approach their late 30s.
