Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy indicated that coach Steve Kerr is likely to return next season despite his expiring contract. Dunleavy expressed confidence in Kerr's future with the team during an interview. The organization plans to discuss the matter at the end of the season.
Steve Kerr, entering his 12th year as head coach of the Golden State Warriors, is in the final year of his contract. General manager Mike Dunleavy addressed Kerr's future on "The TK Show," hosted by Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard. When asked if he expects Kerr to return, Dunleavy replied, "I don't see why not." He added, "I think Steve's mentioned wanting to get to the end of the season and figure it out. I think things, for him, are going well."
Dunleavy emphasized the team's focus on the current season, stating, "We'll figure all that out when it comes. I think it's been interesting, like the focus for us internally between myself, Joe [Lacob], the players, Steve, has really been on, like, getting this thing right the rest of the season." He expressed personal support, saying, "Obviously, on a personal level, love having Steve here. Yeah, I would project that he's our coach next year. But again, we're going down to absolute certainties, and a lot of it's in his court, so we'll have to see."
Kerr has voiced his comfort with the situation earlier in the season, telling reporters he hopes to stay "for another few years" but prefers to assess things at season's end. In December, he told Zena Keita of The Athletic, "I will never leave Steph Curry." However, a January report by Logan Murdock of The Ringer suggested assistant coaches were exploring other opportunities, assuming Kerr might not return. One such assistant, Chris DeMarco, departed midseason to become head coach of the New York Liberty.
Owner Joe Lacob echoed Dunleavy's sentiments in a recent interview with The San Francisco Standard, noting, "Really, it's up to him." Lacob added that the decision will depend on Kerr's desires and the team's standing, saying, "We'll take all of it, put it into a bowl and figure it out."
The Warriors currently stand at 31-30, eighth in the Western Conference, with Curry sidelined by runner's knee. Dunleavy acknowledged the challenges, stating, "It's tough to win in the NBA when you don't have your three best offensive players."
