Story perspectives

Warriors Extend Steve Kerr Two Years After Playoff Miss

5/11/2026

Summary

Kerr Re-signs

Steve Kerr signed a two-year contract to remain head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the deal on May 10, 2026 after three weeks of talks with Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Kerr remains NBA’s highest-paid coach, earning $17.5 million last season.
The Warriors missed the 2025-26 playoffs after a 37-win season and a play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns on April 17, 2026, prompting relief.

Summary

Warriors Target Leonard

Warriors owe $144 million-plus to six players, limiting flexibility and leaving forward Draymond Green’s $27.6 million option as a trade hurdle.
Guard Jimmy Butler and forward Moses Moody are out with knee injuries, prompting a target of forward Kawhi Leonard, whose contract matches Jimmy Butler’s and may cost a pick and assets.
Golden State plans a trade, using future picks and assets to add a wing or rim protector despite cap constraints.

Summary

Kerr Declines ESPN

Steve Kerr, Warriors head coach, turned down a reported $7 million-per-season ESPN analyst contract to stay.
Kerr became the fourth-fastest NBA coach to reach 600 wins in 943 games.
Internal reports said tension rose after Kerr publicly criticized Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict.
Analysts consider Kerr Hall of Fame-bound after nine NBA championships as player and head coach, noting his father Malcolm was murdered in Beirut in 1984.

Summary

Kerr Supports March

Kerr supported gun-violence prevention by joining the 2018 Oakland March for Our Lives with Rep. Ro Khanna.
He was the Phoenix Suns’ general manager from 2007 to 2010 and underwent two back surgeries and a 2017 spinal-fluid-leak procedure, stepping away from coaching.
Industry insiders said a Kerr departure would make him a top television analyst candidate, while rumors linked former Finals opponent LeBron James as a free-agency target for Golden State.

History

Historical Context

After the Warriors posted a 73-9 record in 2015-16—the first 70-plus-win season since the 1995-96 Bulls—their ascent from the 2014-15 67-15 campaign that earned Steve Kerr his first title in 40 years has led to costly contracts. Kerr’s new two-year extension and the team’s pursuit of Kawhi Leonard reflect ongoing salary-cap pressures.

1 of 5

Kerr Re-signs

Steve Kerr signed a two-year contract to remain head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the deal on May 10, 2026 after three weeks of talks with Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Kerr remains NBA’s highest-paid coach, earning $17.5 million last season.
The Warriors missed the 2025-26 playoffs after a 37-win season and a play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns on April 17, 2026, prompting relief.

1 / 5