Steve Kerr ‘s contract extension with the Golden State Warriors has made him the highest-paid NBA coach in history. Kerr leading the Warriors to 4 NBA championships in 9 years has certainly earned him the record-breaking numbers that he will be paid. His outspoken player, Draymond Green had a hilarious reaction to the contract extension.
Draymond Green was speaking at the post-game press conference today after their game. The Athletic’s Andrew Slater started off the questioning by stating that Kerr agreed to a 2-year extension. To this opening statement, Green replied with a smile:
That’s a lot of money. Draymond Green said
Then Slater continued by asking Green’s opinion on the scenario that the contract puts Kerr in a position to ride out into the sunset with the core Warriors trio around the same time. Green said:
I think it’s incredible. Wouldn’t want to finish my time with any other coach. What he’s been to this franchise, what he’s done for us players. The winning ways that he’s brought here, you know you can’t replace that. So very happy for Steve and his family. He got what he deserved. Draymond Green added
Green added that he knew owner Joe Lacob would do the right thing even though Kerr’s current contract runs till the end of this season.
Green did not doubt that Kerr would get the contract he deserves. Talks were running from the start of the year between Kerr and the ownership. Green praised Kerr’s leadership, saying that Kerr has guided the Warriors to the top.
Draymond Green reiterated that he is happy that Kerr will be around until the time Green might retire. This extension keeps the group together for the next two years.
Here’s Draymond Green on the Steve Kerr extension. “That’s a lot of money.” He said he knew Joe Lacob would step up to keep Kerr around: “I didn’t really have much doubt.”
Full soundbite pic.twitter.com/4kFveJmcKi
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 24, 2024
Golden State Warriors heading into the final years of the dynasty
The Golden State Warriors dynasty started with Steve Kerr’s hiring ahead of the 2014-15 season. Prior to the hiring, superstars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were already developing into solid players. But Kerr’s arrival pushed them to the stratosphere.
Four NBA titles and 9 seasons of redefining basketball later, the Warriors trio and Kerr are heading into their last chapters. Curry and Green’s contracts are until the same time as Kerr’s extension. Thompson might sign a similar extension this off-season. That would mean the 2025-26 season could be their swansong.
This quartet might be heading into its final phase. But at least, Steve Kerr is heading into his proposed retirement with the richest annual salary of any head coach in history.