Steve Kerr Secures $35 Million Deal to Extend Warriors Tenure

In a move that solidifies the Golden State Warriors’ leadership for the near future, head coach Steve Kerr has signed a two-year contract extension worth $35 million, ensuring he remains at the helm through the 2025-26 NBA season​

This lucrative deal makes Kerr the highest-paid coach in the league on an annual basis, surpassing other top NBA coaches in per-season earnings​

The Warriors officially announced the agreement on Tuesday, confirming that the deal had been reached the previous Friday. Kerr, who has been with Golden State for a decade, expressed his enthusiasm about continuing with the franchise. “I was never worried about anything. I knew I wanted to come back,” he stated. “Joe [Lacob] made it clear he wanted me back, and we worked it out, and I couldn’t be more excited”​

A Legacy of Championships and Change

Since taking over as head coach in 2014, Kerr has led the Warriors to four NBA championships and turned the franchise into a dynasty. He guided the team to its first title in 40 years during his debut season (2014-15) and played a crucial role in establishing one of the most dominant teams in NBA history alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green​

Kerr’s latest contract extension aligns with Curry’s current deal, which also runs through 2025-26, signaling that the Warriors will try to maximize their championship window while their franchise cornerstone remains under contract. However, the organization also faces a transition period, balancing veteran stars with the development of younger talent. Kerr acknowledged this challenge, saying, “We’re in a really unique situation where we have an era that’s winding down and another era that’s coming, and we’re trying to make them merge”​

Impact on the Team and Future Moves

While Kerr’s extension provides stability in coaching, the Warriors still face major roster decisions—most notably, Klay Thompson’s future. The veteran sharpshooter, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was recently moved to the bench in favor of rookie Brandon Podziemski. Thompson admitted struggling with the demotion initially but has since embraced a team-first mindset​

Thompson’s bench role, combined with Kerr’s new deal, raises speculation about whether Golden State will re-sign him at a reduced salary or move on entirely. With luxury tax concerns and an aging core, the front office must carefully navigate roster decisions to remain competitive​

Kerr’s Standing Among NBA Coaches

This contract extension further cements Kerr’s legacy as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. He recently became the fifth-fastest coach to reach 500 career wins, accomplishing the feat in just 764 games​

Warriors owner Joe Lacob praised Kerr’s leadership, stating, “Steve has played an immense role in our success over the last decade, success that has been duplicated by very few coaches in NBA history”​

Kerr’s new deal also highlights the increasing value of elite NBA coaches. While his $17.5 million annual salary now leads the league, other top-tier coaches have landed massive contracts as well, including Miami’s Erik Spoelstra (eight years, $120 million), San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich (five years, $80 million), and Detroit’s Monty Williams (six years, $78 million)​

What Comes Next for Golden State?

With Kerr’s future secured, the Warriors’ focus now shifts to making one last championship push with their core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green. While their 2023-24 season has been inconsistent, Kerr’s leadership provides continuity as the team navigates trade deadlines, free agency, and internal development​

Additionally, Kerr will lead Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, an experience that could further enhance his coaching skills while reinforcing his status as one of the most respected figures in basketball​