Draymond Green Thinks Warriors’ Steve Kerr Era Could Be Over

Steve Kerr has been the architect of the four championships Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson won.


Draymond Green Thinks Warriors’ Steve Kerr Era Could Be Over

Steve Kerr and Draymond Green (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Draymond Green expresses uncertainty about Steve Kerr's future as head coach of the Warriors.
  • He believes the recent moments shared with Kerr and Curry could signify the end of their coaching relationship.
  • Green's own future with the team is also in question, as he has a $27.6 million player option for next season.

Over a little more than a decade, the Golden State Warriors have been the beacon of success in the NBA. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson were guided by Steve Kerr to win four championships.

The franchise has been around since 1946 and had won three championships before this era. But the last of them was way back in 1975, and since then, the Warriors have not been on anyone’s list of sports organizations they would like to follow.

Even when the team had already drafted Curry, Green, and Thompson, some felt the franchise did not warrant much attention, especially when compared to some of the other Western Conference heavyweights.

Enter Steve Kerr, and the outlook of the organization changed in an instant. That 2015 championship, along with Stephen Curry’s ascension to become a globally recognized figure, vaulted the Warriors’ popularity.

They are currently more valuable than even the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks. But now, one of their catalysts faces an uncertain future.

I’ve never been so uncertain since early in my career on what happens next. I’m truly at a loss now, because you truly don’t know what direction will be. Steph, myself, and Steve shared a moment, in what could be our last time playing with Steve as our coach… It felt like that was it.

Draymond Green said on his namesake show

The power forward has never been so uncertain before. He believes it was Steve Kerr’s last run with the team. Even though he hopes the coach continues, he is not certain Kerr wants to.

Draymond Green unsure about his future

Steve Kerr had a moment with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green after their play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns. After that moment was picked up on camera, most of the focus was on the head coach’s future. But the star forward is not sure about his.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr huddling after their last game
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr huddling after their last game (Image via NBA Central/X)

Hope I’m on this team next year. We also don’t know that. Man, if it was, what a run it’s been. So lucky to have had for 12 years, Steve as my coach. We shall see, I don’t know.

Draymond Green said

The 36-year-old has a $27.6 million player option next season. He can force himself to pick it up. But Green knows that the Warriors could be tempted to trade him away if he does not suit their plans.

If the organization tells him that they’d rather move on from him, then chances are the 6’6″ star could look for a job elsewhere. However, with the way he played in those two play-in games, it is unlikely that the Warriors will decide to let Draymond Green walk.

Steve Kerr’s exit could complicate matters for Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler

The last time Steve Kerr signed a contract extension, he deservedly earned what was the highest salary for a coach. There is a chance the organization and its senior players convince him to return for one or two more seasons.

But with the former Chicago Bulls guard not certain about what he wants, the Golden State Warriors could be pushed into a difficult situation.

If Kerr departs, the front office is expected to open up a wider search that would include several external candidates — perhaps even exploring the college ranks, though there has been an acknowledgment about the complications of delivering Curry, Green, and Butler an inexperienced head coach in their final years, team sources said.

Ramona Shelburne wrote

The ESPN senior writer felt that if the Warriors are going to lean on their veteran players, it is important that they get someone whom they can respect. Otherwise, it would be an ugly mess, as Green, Curry, and Butler would like to win a championship before they retire.

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