Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared an emotional moment with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green following the team’s Play-In Tournament loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his future with the franchise.
The Warriors’ 2025-26 season concluded with a 111-96 defeat to the Suns in the second game of the Play-In Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. After finishing the regular season with a 37-45 record – one of the worst of Kerr’s tenure – Golden State had briefly revived hopes by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in the first Play-In game, only to fall short against Phoenix.
With Kerr’s contract set to expire after this season and no new talks underway, the coach used the sideline moment to express his gratitude to his longtime stars. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you,” Kerr told Curry and Green, placing his hands on both players.
The emotional exchange underscored the unique bond formed over more than a decade of collaboration. Kerr, Curry and Green have been central to one another’s success, winning four NBA championships together and reaching the Finals six times during their 12-year partnership.
Earlier in the week, Kerr had hinted at the possibility of an ending, stating ahead of the Play-In: “This is an opportunity we might not ever get again. We don’t know. We’re all at that stage where we have to be conscious of the finality that is possible. It’s just sort of unspoken.”
Kerr signed a two-year contract extension in the summer of 2024 that expires after the 2025-26 season. At 60 years old, he has acknowledged that every job has an expiration date, with his future remaining unclear amid reports suggesting he could be leaning toward retirement.
The Warriors endured significant challenges throughout the season, including injuries that impacted their performance. Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury, while Stephen Curry appeared in just 43 regular-season games due to health limitations. Despite his limited availability, Curry briefly rediscovered his form to lead Golden State past the Clippers in the Play-In opener.
Draymond Green also addressed his future following the season-ending loss, having experienced an up-and-down campaign that fueled trade deadline rumors. Both Curry and Green have expressed their desire for Kerr to return as head coach, though the decision ultimately extends beyond the coach’s sole control.
The emotional scene captured the bittersweet reality facing a franchise that has defined an era in the NBA. As the Warriors navigate an uncertain offseason filled with questions about roster composition, coaching leadership and player futures, the moment between Kerr, Curry and Green served as a poignant reminder of the personal connections that underlie professional sports.
Golden State’s next official checkpoint will come with the NBA Draft lottery in May, followed by free agency negotiations and potential roster moves as the franchise determines its path forward after a season that fell far short of championship expectations.
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