Warriors Notes: Kerr, Curry, Green, Lottery

Steve Kerr’s new two-year contract with the Warriors was the result of rediscovering his passion for coaching, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Kerr expressed doubts about whether he wanted to continue in the profession following a difficult season that ended with a play-in loss to Phoenix last month. He told reporters after that game that he wasn’t certain if he would be back, noting that “these jobs all have an expiration date” and suggesting it might be time for “new blood and new ideas.”

Sources tell Slater that Kerr took a week off before beginning talks with controlling owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. He then went on a golf trip and returned with a new excitement about leading the team.

Kerr would have plenty of media opportunities available if he wanted to transition to a lower-stress environment, but he loves the highly competitive atmosphere of being on the sidelines and was never really happy with front office work, Slater states.

There were other obstacles to reaching a new deal that went beyond Kerr’s desire to return, Slater adds. The discussions with Lacob and Dunleavy went deep into possible changes regarding playing style and staffing as well as the state of the roster following a 37-45 season. The Warriors already know that Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody won’t be available for much of next season as they recover from serious injuries.

Slater cites a “consensus” that Kerr might not have been brought back if management was ready to commit to rebuilding. He adds that there’s an “internal understanding” that the team may not be able to return to title contention with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green nearing the end of their careers, but keeping Kerr is a sign that an effort will be made this summer to become more competitive.

There’s more on the Warriors:

• Slater hears that Curry preferred to keep playing under Kerr as his career winds down, but didn’t make any demands from management. Team sources tell Slater that Curry would likely have been part of the search for a new coach if that had become necessary. There’s also an expectation that keeping Kerr in place will simplify extension talks with Curry when he becomes eligible in August. Curry has one season remaining on his current deal and can be extended for one or two more years.
• With a $27.6MM player option, Green’s future with the team is less certain, but Slater views Kerr’s return as a “beneficial development” toward Green staying. Team sources told Slater that they don’t plan to shop Green this summer or try to force him out, as he’s still seen as an elite defender who raises the team’s chances to be successful. Management believed he had “a positive season as a leader” and essentially became an extra assistant coach, according to Slater. The benefits of opting in or out will be discussed, Slater adds, but a long-term extension at a lower number is only likely if it creates enough cap room to make a significant roster addition.
• The results of today’s draft lottery could play a major role in setting the course for the offseason, Slater notes. Landing a top-four pick would provide a valuable asset that could be used in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard or another star, but it could also deliver an infusion of youth for a team filled with veterans. The Warriors are slotted at No. 11 and have a 9.4% chance of moving up.