Steve Kerr inks two-year extension: ‘Let’s keep it rolling’،
WASHINGTON — Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has officially signed his two-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that it was a $53 million deal, making him the top coach paid in NBA history.
More importantly for the organization, it aligns it with the remaining two years of franchise superstar Stephen Curry's contract.
“Yes, I felt very comfortable extending this period by two years. Joe [Lacob] I felt comfortable as well,” Kerr said before the Warriors' game against the Washington Wizards. “We're in a really unique situation where we have one era coming to an end and another era coming. We're trying to blend them together and get the most out of it this year and next year…let's continue that for a few more years and then re-evaluate it.”
Kerr's contract was set to expire at the end of this season. Representatives for Kerr and Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. spent months discussing a new deal.
Although it took time, Kerr never doubted that the two sides would be able to reach an agreement.
“These things always take time,” Kerr said. “I knew I always wanted to come back. Joe made it clear he wanted me back. We worked it out and I couldn't be more excited.”
After arriving at Golden State in 2014, Kerr established himself as an iconic architect of the Warriors dynasty centered around Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
This year, as Kerr mentioned, he had a different task: mixing his veteran players with a new generation of talent.
“It's been fun. I've really enjoyed this season,” Kerr said. “Despite the fact that we lost some very close games. I really enjoyed coaching this group. It's been an exciting season, a challenge, but it's all enjoyable.
Kerr, who has four titles and six NBA Finals appearances, won his 500th game on February 15. This made him the fifth-fastest coach to achieve this in history.
He is also the national coach of Team USA.
“[I] I wouldn't want to end my time here with any other coach,” Green said last week. “What he means to this franchise…the winning ways he brought here, you can't replace that. … He got what he deserved.”