Four-time NBA champion coach Steve Kerr is weighing his options as the Golden State Warriors' season came to a close on Friday night. The team's playoff aspirations were dashed after a 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament, securing the Suns' spot in the Western Conference playoffs. The Suns will now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Warriors legend Stephen Curry, 38, ended the game with 17 points, marking the end of a disappointing campaign.
Kerr's future has been the subject of speculation due to his current contract expiring, and he expressed uncertainty about his return. "It might still go on. It may not," Kerr stated post-game.
He shared an emotional moment with Curry and Draymond Green, the two constants from the Warriors' title runs under Kerr, but declined to reveal what was said. Both Curry and Green expressed their desire for Kerr to remain with the team.
"I want coach to be happy, I want him to be excited about the job," Curry said. Green echoed this sentiment, stating he struggles with change and hopes Kerr stays.
Kerr, 60, has just completed his 12th season with the Warriors, boasting a 604-353 record and leading the team to the NBA Finals in his first five seasons and once since. He also guided USA Basketball to Olympic gold in the 2024 Paris Games. Kerr plans to meet with Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss the team's future and his potential role in it.
"We'll talk about what's next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason," Kerr said. "And we will come to a collaborative decision on what's next.
I don't know what's going to happen." Kerr acknowledged that all coaching jobs have an expiration date and that sometimes it's time for new ideas and blood. If his time with the Warriors comes to an end, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach the franchise and its players. In other NBA news, the Orlando Magic secured the 8th seed in the playoffs after defeating the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in the Play-In Tournament.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 25 points, while Franz Wagner added 18 points. The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games scheduled. The Western Conference Finals will also be broadcast live from May 20.