With less than a half-season remaining on his current coaching contract, Steve Kerr has finally agreed to a contract extension with the Warriors. The terms: Two years, $35 million, as team sources confirmed late Friday night. ESPN was first to report the deal.
Kerr is in his 10th season coaching the Warriors, having won four titles. He’s the third longest-tenured coach in the NBA, trailing only Erik Spoelstra and Gregg Popovich. This contract makes him the second highest-paid coach on a per season basis ($17.5 million), trailing only Popovich.
The shortened length of it is notable. Kerr’s contract now lines up exactly with Steph Curry’s deal. Curry has two years and $115.3 million remaining after this season. He will be 38 by the time it expires. Kerr’s extension sets him up to ride out the Curry era, as the Warriors attempt to reposition themselves as title contenders before the window slams shut.
There was never much doubt this deal would ultimately get done. Majority owner Joe Lacob has maintained public and private faith in Kerr and maintained that he’d pay what was necessary to keep him. Kerr has been adamant that he intended to stick around, showing no indication of a coaching burn out. He will also coach Team USA at the Olympics this summer. Curry is expected to participate in Paris.
The Warriors have had a turbulent season, defined by drama, underperformance and tragedy. Draymond Green’s suspensions sent them into a spiral. They had a 19-24 record at their low point. Assistant coach Dejan Milojevic passed away at a team dinner in early January after suffering a heart attack, sending the team reeling emotionally.
But the court product has improved recently. Green has returned and performed well. Jonathan Kuminga has developed into a high-level power wing in his third season. Brandin Podziemski has been a rookie revelation. Klay Thompson has recently accepted a bench role. They’ve won nine of 11 and appear to be inching up the standings. Now their coach has some extra level of security.
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