With less than a half-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 Friday night. The deal was first reported by ESPN.
Kerr, who has won four titles, is in his 10th season as coach of the Warriors. He is the third-longest tenured coach in the NBA, trailing Erik Spoelstra and Gregg Popovich. The deal makes him the second-highest paid coach on a per-season basis ($17.5 million), trailing only Popovich.
Its length has been shortened significantly. Kerr's contract now matches Steph Curry's contract exactly. Curry has two years and $115.3 million remaining after this season. He will be 38 years old when it expires. Kerr's extension puts him on a ride from the Curry era as the Warriors try to turn themselves into title contenders before the window closes.
There is little doubt that the deal will eventually go through. Majority owner Joe Lacob maintained public and private confidence in Kerr and said he would pay what was necessary to retain him. Kerr was adamant, showing no signs of burning out in practice. He will coach the U.S. team at the Olympics this summer. Curry is expected to participate in Paris.
The Warriors had a tumultuous season, defined by drama, underperformance and tragedy. Draymond Green's suspensions sent them into a tailspin. They had a 19-24 record at the low point. Assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died of a heart attack at a team party in early January, leaving the team emotional.
But court preparation has improved recently. Green is back and has done well. Jonathan Cuminga has developed into a top power forward in his third season. Brandin Podziemski is an innovative expression. Klay Thompson has recently assumed a bench role. They have won nine out of 11 and are moving up the points table. Now their coach has been given extra security.
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(Photo: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
