Steve Kerr’s Future in Golden State Looks Murky as Frustrations Mount Inside the Warriors Organization
The Golden State Warriors are in unfamiliar territory - sitting below .500 at 13-14 and facing more questions than answers as the season drags on. Injuries have certainly played a part, with Stephen Curry missing time and offseason acquisition Al Horford sidelined for the last 14 games.
But the scrutiny isn’t just about who’s not on the court. It’s starting to center on who's on the sidelines.
Steve Kerr, the architect of four championships and a Hall of Fame-worthy run in the Bay, is suddenly under the microscope - and not just from fans or media. Inside the organization, tensions are bubbling up, and the latest signs point to a potential shakeup.
Lacob’s Email Adds Fuel to the Fire
An internal email from team owner Joe Lacob found its way into the public eye, and while it wasn’t exactly a scathing takedown, it offered a rare glimpse into how the top of the Warriors’ hierarchy is feeling. Lacob didn’t hold back in joining the growing conversation around Kerr’s performance - a conversation that’s been gaining steam as the team struggles to find its rhythm.
Kerr, whose contract runs only through the end of this season, is now coaching under a cloud of uncertainty. The Warriors have been inconsistent, and the development of young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski has become a flashpoint.
Kerr’s system - designed to maximize Curry’s brilliance - has long been hailed as one of the league’s most beautiful brands of basketball. But when Curry isn’t at full strength, that same system can leave other players searching for their role.
Jimmy Butler’s Comments Raise Eyebrows
Then there’s Jimmy Butler, who’s never been one to hold his tongue - and lately, he’s been making his feelings known. In a recent conversation with Marcus Thompson III of The Athletic, Butler took what looked like a veiled jab at the coaching staff, pointing out that Curry and Draymond Green “get to make as many turnovers as humanly possible.” He followed it with a grin and a line about how “the world isn’t fair,” but the message was clear: there’s frustration in the locker room, and it’s not just about missed shots or defensive lapses.
What’s even more telling is that Lacob came to Butler’s defense in that same leaked email. Butler is under contract through next season - one year longer than Kerr - and the owner’s support sends a message. Whether intentional or not, it signals that the front office may be aligning more closely with its star players than its longtime head coach.
Kerr Playing It Cool - For Now
To his credit, Kerr hasn’t taken the bait. After a wild 136-131 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, he spoke about ways the team could better support Butler, emphasizing cohesion and shared responsibility. When asked about Lacob’s email, he sidestepped the controversy, saying only, “You really don’t want… private emails posted.”
Still, the writing may be on the wall. This isn’t the first time Butler has clashed with coaches - he’s forced his way off three different teams in the past - and now he’s got what looks like a tacit endorsement from ownership. That kind of dynamic can shift the balance of power quickly, especially when the team is underperforming and the head coach is on an expiring deal.
What’s Next for Kerr and the Warriors?
Kerr signed his last extension near the end of the 2023-24 season, just before his previous contract expired. This time around, there’s no such movement - and with the team struggling to stay afloat in a loaded Western Conference, the pressure is mounting.
The Warriors have long been the model of stability in a league known for constant turnover. But with internal frustrations surfacing, a star player speaking out, and the owner chiming in from the top, it’s fair to wonder whether we’re seeing the final chapter of the Kerr era in Golden State.
There’s still time to right the ship - and with Curry healthy, anything is possible. But make no mistake: the clock is ticking, and the margin for error is shrinking fast.