The Golden State Warriors’ season came to a crashing halt on Friday night, but it was a moment on the sidelines that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community.
After their season-ending 111–96 play-in tournament loss to the Phoenix Suns, head coach Steve Kerr was seen in a huddle with Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
The trio, who represent the last standing pillars of the Warriors’ four-championship dynasty, shared an embrace that was picked up by a televised hot mic.
‘I don’t know what’s gonna happen next, but I love you guys to death,’ Kerr was heard telling his players as the reality of their elimination set in.
The footage quickly went viral, with fans and analysts convinced that Kerr’s choice of words was a deliberate hint that he may not return to San Francisco next season.
Kerr, whose current contract status remains one of the league’s biggest questions, appeared visibly moved as he whispered to the two players on Friday evening.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr seemed to drop a hint about his future on Friday
He told veteran stars Steph Curry and Draymond Green: ‘I don’t know what’s gonna happen next, but I love you guys to death.’
The Warriors had fought back from a turbulent regular season to earn a play-in spot, but they were ultimately overwhelmed by Jalen Green and the Suns.
Following the game, Kerr did little to quiet the speculation during his post-game press conference.
‘I don’t know what’s going to happen. I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date,’ Kerr said.
‘There’s a run that happens, and when the run ends sometimes it’s time for new blood and new ideas and all that.
‘And if that’s the case, I will be nothing but grateful for the most amazing opportunity any person could have to coach this franchise in front of our fans in the Bay, to coach Steph Curry, to coach Dray, the whole group.
‘It may still go on, it may not, I don’t know at this point. But we all need to step away a little bit and then reconvene.’
