As Steve Kerr enters the final year of his contract with the Golden State Warriors, the conversation around the franchise is beginning to shift-from what’s happening on the court this season to what the future holds for one of the most successful coach-player duos in NBA history. And while trade rumors have begun to swirl around 37-year-old Stephen Curry, Kerr isn’t entertaining the idea of walking away from the player who helped define a dynasty.
In a recent interview, Kerr made it clear: his connection with Curry runs far deeper than contracts or win-loss records. “I will never leave Steph Curry,” Kerr said, a powerful statement that echoes the loyalty and mutual respect the two have built over more than a decade together.
He added, “My goal was just to help him get even better and win a championship. We were able to do that and form a partnership I’ll be grateful for my entire life.”
That partnership didn’t start when Kerr took over the Warriors’ bench. It actually goes back to his days as an executive with the Phoenix Suns, when he first saw Curry lighting it up at Davidson.
Even then, Kerr saw something special. Years later, when he became the Warriors’ head coach, Curry was already an All-Star and the cornerstone of a team on the verge of greatness.
Together, they’ve won titles, redefined the way basketball is played, and built a legacy that will be talked about for decades.
But the league doesn’t wait for nostalgia. Around the NBA, there’s growing skepticism about whether this Warriors core can still contend.
The roster is aging, the Western Conference is deeper than ever, and the game continues to get faster and more physically demanding. That doubt has only grown louder following a rocky start to the season-and some blunt commentary from Charles Barkley.
Speaking on The Tom Tolbert Show, Barkley didn’t mince words. “They had one of the greatest runs in NBA history, but it’s over,” he said.
“They’re just old. Steph is on the Mount Rushmore, but he gonna keep breaking down.
I don’t think Jimmy is the same player, and Draymond definitely not the same player.”
It’s a harsh assessment, but it reflects what many around the league are quietly wondering: Is the Warriors’ championship window closing? Last season was a mixed bag-Golden State made a solid postseason run, boosted by the addition of Jimmy Butler and a playoff win over the Houston Rockets. But their momentum came to a halt when Curry suffered a hamstring strain against the Timberwolves, cutting the campaign short.
Still, if there’s one thing that remains constant in this ever-evolving picture, it’s Kerr’s commitment to Curry. Even as questions swirl about contract extensions, roster changes, and the long-term direction of the franchise, Kerr’s message is unwavering: As long as Steph is here, so is he.
That kind of loyalty is rare in professional sports, especially when the championship banners stop going up. But for Kerr and Curry, this isn’t just about chasing one more ring-it’s about finishing what they started, together. And for the Warriors, that partnership remains the heartbeat of whatever comes next.