With less than half a season remaining on his current coaching contract, Steve Kerr has finally agreed to a contract extension with the Warriors. Terms: Two years, $35 million, team sources confirmed late Friday night. ESPN was first to report the deal.
Kerr is spending his tenth season with the Warriors, having won four titles. He is the third-longest-tenured coach in the NBA, trailing only Erik Spoelstra and Gregg Popovich. That contract makes him the second-highest-paid coach on a per-season basis ($17.5 million), behind only Popovich.
The shortened length is noticeable. Kerr's contract now aligns perfectly with Steph Curry's deal. Curry has two years and $115.3 million remaining after this season. He will be 38 years old when he expires. Kerr's extension sets him up for the Curry era, as the Warriors try to reposition themselves as title contenders before the window closes.
There was little doubt that this deal would eventually happen. Majority owner Joe Lacob maintained public and private confidence in Kerr and assured that he would pay what was necessary to keep him. Kerr has insisted he intends to stay, and has shown no sign of training fatigue. He will also coach Team USA at the Olympics this summer. Curry is expected to participate in Paris.
The Warriors had a tumultuous season, marked by drama, poor performance and tragedy. Draymond Green's suspensions sent them into a downward spiral. They had a 19-24 record at their lowest point. Assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died during a team dinner in early January after suffering a heart attack, leaving the team emotionally reeling.
But the court product has improved recently. Green came back and did well. Jonathan Kuminga has developed into a powerful, high-level winger in his third season. Brandin Podzemski has been a revelation as a rookie. Klay Thompson recently accepted a bench role. They have won nine out of 11 and appear to be moving up the standings. Now their coach has an extra level of security.
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