The Jimmy Butler injury may have sent ripple effects across the league, but its impact on the Golden State Warriors has been especially seismic - and not in the way fans were hoping for.
With Butler now sidelined, the Warriors’ already fragile hopes of making a late-season surge have taken a serious hit. Any visions of sneaking into contention - or even giving Stephen Curry one last meaningful playoff run - are fading fast. And with the February 6 trade deadline looming, the front office is facing some tough choices that could shape the franchise for years to come.
At the center of the decision-making storm is a question that goes beyond just roster construction: What’s next for head coach Steve Kerr?
According to multiple team sources, Kerr’s future in Golden State is uncertain. He’s in the final year of his contract and, as of now, hasn’t signed an extension.
While Kerr hasn’t made any public declarations about his plans, there are growing signs that this could be his final season with the Warriors. Some assistant coaches have reportedly begun exploring opportunities elsewhere, operating under the belief that Kerr won’t be back.
One longtime assistant, Chris DeMarco, already made a move - he’s now the head coach of the WNBA’s New York Liberty.
It’s not just the contract status that raises eyebrows. There’s been a growing disconnect between the coaching staff and the front office, particularly around the development of Jonathan Kuminga.
The organization appears committed to giving Kuminga more time to grow into his role, but the coaching staff’s patience seems to be wearing thin. That internal tug-of-war has only added to the sense that a major shift could be coming - not just in the roster, but in the leadership.
This isn’t just about one player or one season. It’s about the end of an era.
Kerr and Curry have been the faces of one of the most successful dynasties in NBA history, guiding the Warriors to four championships and redefining how the game is played. If this is Kerr’s swan song, it marks the closing of a remarkable chapter - one that transformed Golden State from a struggling franchise into a model of excellence.
Whether Kerr chooses to coach elsewhere or steps away from the sidelines entirely, his legacy in the Bay Area is secure. But for now, the Warriors are in a holding pattern - juggling trade decisions, player development, and the very real possibility that their head coach could be calling his final plays in a Golden State hoodie.