Steve Kerr’s future with the Golden State Warriors is no longer a given, and a massive financial question is now at the center of it.
After missing the playoffs this season, the Warriors are entering an uncertain phase. For the first time in years, there is real doubt about whether Kerr will continue on the sidelines.
And according to Brian Windhorst, the issue is not just basketball. It is money.
Breaking it down on the Dan Patrick Show, Windhorst made it clear that Kerr’s situation is far from straightforward.
“The Steve Kerr situation, I think there’s a nuance that people need to understand. And I know Golden State Warriors fans probably understand this.
“There’s not a contract sitting on the table for Steve Kerr. It’s not like they’ve said, ‘Steve, just re-sign,'” Windhorst said.
He added, “I’m not saying they wouldn’t re-sign him, but he makes $17 million. And I’m not sure, you know, when they paid him that contract, the Warriors were competing to win the West. That’s not the case anymore.”
When Kerr signed his deal, Golden State was still firmly in championship contention. Now, after a disappointing season that ended without a playoff appearance, the franchise is being forced to reassess where it stands.
This could even mark the end of an era. If Kerr does not return, it would mean the last game of this season was potentially his final one coaching the Warriors.
The bigger issue, as Windhorst points out, is whether the Warriors still see value in paying top-tier money for a coach during a transition period.
“This team’s not going to win the West next year. They’re not going to compete to win the West next year. I don’t even know what Jimmy Butler is going to be able to give them,” he continued.
“I’m not sure they’re in the mood to pay their coach $17 million, any coach. I don’t care if Red Auerbach in his prime comes back. I think the money is an issue,” Windy concluded.
That statement reflects a broader reality. The Warriors are no longer operating as a clear contender, and their roster is aging while also becoming more expensive.
Paying a coach at the very top of the market makes sense when a team is chasing championships. It becomes harder to justify when the ceiling is less clear and the roster may need retooling.
For Kerr, this creates an unusual situation. His legacy with the franchise is secure, but his future now depends on whether the organization believes it is still in a position to compete at the highest level.
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