Steve Kerr’s $35 Million Jackpot Gives Warriors Dynasty A Survival Timeline

Steve Kerr hit the jackpot with his two-year $35 million extension. It seems like the Golden State Warriors can look forward to another two years of safety under their coach of 10 seasons. And it looks like they have an added incentive in the form of Stephen Curry as well.

Curry had signed a four-year $215 million extension which aligns perfectly well with Kerr’s two years, after which he will hit free agency. Steph has $115.3 million left on his deal before he becomes a free agent as well.

Clearly, the Dubs have great faith in the 58-year-old Kerr to lead them to another Curry-led championship run, get the man his fifth ring, and the franchise, its eighth. Seeing as how both the star coach and player’s contract run up to 2026, the next two seasons are crucial for the Warriors.

It can either put them as the top contender in the West once again or help in a smooth transition from the golden era of Curry to the next generation of Dubs players. Either way, Joe Lacob seems to have an uncanny trust in Steve Kerr. The other two key pieces of the Warriors dynasty, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, are also on similar grounds.

Thompson, though, enters free agency this summer. While Steph has made his case regarding his stand on Klay and the man in question has been extremely accommodating, the off-season will provide the final answer on Thompson’s continued stay in the Bay Area. Green, on the other hand, also has a contract that goes up to 2026, with a player option for the 2026-27 season.

So, from a bird’s view, the Warriors have all the pieces for a final Hail Mary. Going back to Kerr’s contract, let’s take a look at how he ranks among the top coaches in the NBA.

Steve Kerr and his hefty contract

Needless to say, Kerr’s $35 million has made him the highest-paid coach in NBA history. The Warriors’ coach is due $17.5 million annually, putting him ahead of Erik Spoelstra and Gregg Popovich, who make $15 and $16 million, respectively. Monty Williams comes next with $13.1 million annually.

Read More: Warriors News: Steve Kerr Dethrones Coach Spo With Whopping 8-Figure Deal

This extension is the result of months of talks between the Warriors front office and Kerr’s representatives. With so much uncertainty with the team this season, fans were clamoring for Steve’s resignation. But Lacob and Dunleavy Jr. decided it prudent to place the franchise’s future in the coach, whose winning percentage is fifth in the league.