Steve Kerr's ongoing contract situation with the Golden State Warriors is the talk of the town, as the four-time championship coach finds himself without a deal for next season. Enter NBA analyst Bill Simmons, who’s thrown a curveball into the mix with a bold idea: signing LeBron James could be the key to keeping Kerr on the Warriors' bench.
Could LeBron James be the Warriors' ace in the hole to retain Steve Kerr?
The Warriors have long eyed LeBron, and this offseason might be their golden chance, with the four-time MVP set to become an unrestricted free agent after his stint with the Lakers. The question is, would LeBron consider a smaller contract for what might be his swan song season? Simmons seems to think so, suggesting on his podcast that the Warriors have a real shot at landing the 41-year-old superstar, which could sway Kerr to stay put.
Simmons speculated, “I think he either stays in LA or he goes to Golden State. Those would be my best bets.
If they don't get LeBron... I think this is it for Steve Kerr.
I have no inside info. This would be the right kind of area for him to be like, you know what, I'm gonna take a year, I'll do some media, I'll try to figure out if I want to keep coaching.”
Kerr and LeBron share a history, having teamed up to lead Team USA to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Stephen Curry also playing a pivotal role. The prospect of Curry and LeBron joining forces in the NBA is tantalizing, and it's easy to see why Kerr would want to be part of such a historic chapter.
Simmons argues that the Warriors genuinely need LeBron, especially compared to a potential return to Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are already in the championship conversation. With Jimmy Butler sidelined by a torn ACL, LeBron could be crucial for Golden State, not just a headline-grabbing story. Despite being in his 23rd season, LeBron is still a force, averaging 22 points and seven assists with the Lakers.
While only time will reveal if Simmons' theory holds water, there's no denying that a blockbuster move for LeBron could significantly boost the chances of Kerr inking a new deal with the Warriors.