End of an Era: Steve Kerr Set to Retire as Warriors Face Uncertain Future

The 2024-25 season has been far from ideal for Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors. Outside of the years when injuries sidelined Stephen Curry, this season stands as one of the worst records of the Kerr era. After missing the playoffs last season, the Warriors have struggled to find consistency, and without making significant moves, their fortunes are unlikely to change. As a result, the franchise and Kerr are expected to part ways at the end of the season, with the longtime head coach choosing to retire.

Kerr’s impact on the game is undeniable, cementing his place as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. In his 11 seasons with the Warriors, he led them to six NBA Finals appearances, winning four championships, including an unprecedented five straight Finals appearances from 2015 to 2019. His playing career was just as decorated, serving as a key role player on three Chicago Bulls championship teams and later winning two more titles with the San Antonio Spurs. Beyond the NBA, Kerr also led Team USA to a gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, having been involved in Team USA coaching since 2019.

The once-dominant Warriors dynasty has gradually unraveled, with only Draymond Green and Stephen Curry remaining from their championship core. Klay Thompson’s departure to Dallas marked the first time the Splash Brothers were separated since Thompson entered the league in 2011. Meanwhile, Curry is experiencing one of his lowest-scoring seasons since his early years, raising questions about his long-term future in Golden State. While there are no definitive signs that Curry will leave, the team’s decline and the departure of key teammates could push the soon-to-be 37-year-old toward an unexpected move. Given his loyalty to the franchise, it is hard to picture Curry elsewhere, but nothing can be ruled out.

With a roster filled with young talent, the Warriors seem headed toward a reset, prioritizing development over immediate contention. Although Kerr’s success isn’t solely due to the elite talent he coached, his legacy is deeply tied to the championship core that once dominated the league. If Golden State commits to a full-scale rebuild, the 59-year-old coach may not fit into their long-term plans, making his retirement a logical conclusion to this era of Warriors basketball.