SAN FRANCISCO – Stephen Curry had not yet spoken to his coach about his rumored contract extension. He was in the process of taking off his uniform after the visiting Golden State Warriors and visiting Charlotte Hornets fell down a flight of stairs together on Friday night, leaving the Warriors on top 97-84. When Curry was asked his opinion on Steve Kerr's new two-year, $35 million contract, he had the same thoughts as everyone else.
“Those are the same (years) as my contract,” Curry said, smiling as he climbed into his shower slides. “I just noticed.”
The $17.5 million was not the number that appeared in Kerr's new contract, although it nearly doubles his projected current salary and makes him the highest-paid coach in the league based on average salary. The significant number was “2”. Like in two years. Because it points to #30.
NBA coaches who are hired for layoffs don't take short-term deals. For one thing, they usually need time to create the program. But the only upside to their inevitable fall is that they still get paid. But Kerr's extension expires the same year that Curry's current four-year, $215.3 million contract expires – after the 2025-26 season.
“If I were him, I would do the same thing,” Kevon Looney said. “He probably got that from (Gregg) Popovich.”
That was good news for Curry, the face of the Warriors, who doesn't have to worry about another coach being forced on him. Because he definitely doesn't want anyone else.
“Hell no,” Curry said.
Many conversations about a coach focus on rotations and strategy. These are the visible components of the job. But the invisible parts are usually at least as important, and often far more important. Nothing that happens between the lines is relevant if the team's foundation is poor. Coaching players of this caliber, especially in the age of social media, brings with it the added difficulty of managing basketball players who are simultaneously moguls and brands, celebrities with complicated lives. Over the last decade, the Warriors have seen the invisible influence the visible. Both good and bad.
No one expected the Warriors to let go of Kerr, who entered this season in the final year of his contract. But the possibility loomed, especially given the team's previous struggles this season. But the Warriors have leaned into the Curry era by trading future core pieces in James Wiseman and Jordan Poole, re-signing Draymond Green, acquiring Chris Paul and recruiting ready-to-play rookies. Klay Thompson could sign a new deal this offseason to stay with Golden State.
The Warriors are committed to pursuing a championship while Curry is still dominant. And they want to do it together. Led by Kerr.
That's what they want. That's why they're still here. They want to stay with the Warriors until it's time to tie their shoelaces and throw their tire shoes on the telephone cord. And until that day, they want Kerr to be their coach.
The Warriors' front office hasn't always been so sure about Kerr. His treatment of young players has frustrated some people above him. Maybe that's why it's not a problem for the Warriors to link him to Curry's contract. Because if Curry gives up, the Warriors could rather start a new era with a new coach.
Or maybe Kerr's contract is only for two years because he wants to tie his future to the legend who brought him here.
“There are a handful of player-coach and trio-coach stories in league history that compare to ours,” Curry said. “And that’s no coincidence. … He was such a constant presence. Not just the Xs and Oes, but also dealing with the lows and highs, especially the highs, that we have experienced. People think it's easy. But with success comes expectations. The nuance of keeping things together and navigating not just here but up there is difficult. It just reminds you of the special personality and character you have to have for this job.”
Stephen Curry was skeptical when the Warriors fired Mark Jackson and hired Steve Kerr. Ten years later, would he want someone else to coach him? “Hell no,” he said Friday. (Ross Cameron/USA Today)
The irony is that the journey between Kerr and the Warriors' superstar trio began with reservations. When Kerr was hired in 2014, Curry was still resenting the firing of Mark Jackson, whom he had fought to retain. Just when the Warriors were finally feeling good and Curry felt like he had overcome the turmoil of his first few years, the Warriors hit the reset button. Additionally, they hired another former player-turned-broadcaster who had never coached before.
Curry said at the time that he would be open to the new hire. What happened next took him from NBA All-Star to Hall of Famer. Kerr's offensive approach enhanced Curry's abilities even more. And one of the reasons it worked, according to Curry, was the way Kerr handled the delicate transition.
He did not come here with the intention of establishing his kingdom. He did little things to honor what they had already built. He had their team's slogan (“Just Us”) hanging on the wall. He publicly and regularly praised Jackson and unwaveringly subscribed to the notion that he had inherited greatness.
“Obviously,” Curry said, “people talk about him having a blessed roster, and he did.” That doesn't necessarily guarantee the fit will work. Plus, from day one, he himself was never the one to say he was the reason or the key. … He never had the aura that it was him and only him. That was the key.”
This is now their 10th year together. Their chemistry between them becomes increasingly important as their talent and health slowly seep like sand through their clenched fists. Contractually, they now have this year and two more to climb the mountain again.
For Curry and his championship colleagues, these final years of their prime are more about trust and collaboration than most understand. In an ever-younger league designed to push them away, it makes sense that the bonds built are more important. It makes sense that they would trust Kerr to watch over what's left of the best they have.
That's Kerr's true expertise – he truly believes in partnering with his stars. Your relationship is mutual. This is even more important at the end of a successful career.
As it stands now, barring unforeseen circumstances, 2026 will be the era's next possible expiration date. That's three postseasons to work toward a fifth ring. Their proverbial Last Dance consists of three songs. This team may not look the same when that checkpoint comes. The hierarchy will most likely change. But at least they're prepared to get through this together.
GO DEEPER
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(Top photo of Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr from a November game against the Sacramento Kings: Rocky Widner / NBAE via Getty Images)