New Warriors Rumors on Steve Kerr's Future as HC, Contract Buzz Amid Potential Exit

The Golden State Warriors are on the verge of a pivotal meeting with head coach Steve Kerr that will shape the franchise's future.

After Kerr's contract expires at the end of this season, he will meet with Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss his potential return. However, The Athletic's Nick Friedell reported that it's increasingly likely the two sides will part ways after 12 years together.

"What is clear is that optimism inside the organization about Kerr's return has faded in recent weeks," Friedell stated. "Multiple team sources have stressed that no decision has been made, and won't be made until Kerr meets with Lacob and Dunleavy, but staffers have begun to brace themselves for the possibility of change."

ESPN's Anthony Slater added Kerr "has made no decision yet" on his future with Golden State "and the two sides don't expect to come to any firm determination until next week at the earliest."

"It's April," a team source told Slater. "We don't need to rush."

Kerr and the Warriors fell short of the playoffs this season after losing in the play-in tournament. He began coaching Golden State in 2014 and helped lead the team to four NBA championships.

Friedell added that while "speculation around the league about possible successors has already begun," there remains "hope inside the organization that the partnership can continue into a 13th season." Kerr's relationship with star point guard Stephen Curry was highlighted as a potential reason for him to return.

Until Kerr meets with Lacob and Dunleavy, there will remain questions about whether he wants to stick with the Warriors next season.