Stephen Curry Prefers Finishing Career With Steve Kerr; 'We Deserve That' Opportunity

Stephen Curry stated unequivocally that he does not want to play for another head coach as he enters the final years of his NBA career. Curry emphasized his commitment to finishing his playing days with Steve Kerr, describing their partnership as rare and worth preserving. Curry's declaration provides clarity on his future amid questions about roster construction and coaching longevity.

Kerr is on an expiring contract as head coach of the Warriors and does not appear to be actively seeking one even if he's interested in continuing in 2026-27.

When asked directly if he could play for another coach, Curry said: "The game would translate." But when asked if he would, his answer was definitive.

"I don't want to," Curry said. "We deserve that, I feel. Things change in this league. We can only control so much. But I think we're in a very unique situation that we deserve the opportunity [to ride it out]."

Curry acknowledged that management has never approached him about Kerr's job security, signaling the Warriors understand the strength of their partnership. The coach and player have been together for 12 seasons and has drawn comparisons to the dynamic between Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan. Together Curry and Kerr have won four championships, appeared in six NBA Finals and even won Olympic gold.

Draymond Green reinforced the inseparability of the two.

"There's no Steph without Steve," Green said. "You see MJ, like, 'If Phil ain't here, I ain't here.' It's along those same lines."

Kerr, who has one year remaining on his contract and is not seeking an extension, told ESPN he would not actively choose to leave the Warriors for another NBA coaching job. His decision mirrors Curry's stance that their partnership transcends typical professional arrangements.

"I'm not finishing my contract and saying, 'Alright, I think I'll go leave for such and such job around the league somewhere. That's not happening," Kerr said.

Kerr added that any continuation of their partnership would require agreement from management, himself and Curry. He described their collaboration as potentially his career's greatest source of pride.

The Curry-Kerr relationship survived a critical test in December 2016 when Kerr publicly criticized Curry's turnovers after a Christmas Day loss to Cleveland. Kerr immediately visited Curry's house to apologize, beginning a process that strengthened rather than fractured their bond. Curry keeps Kerr's handwritten letter from that period in his personal "keepsake box" at home.

"He's the only coach I've known to write handwritten letters," Curry said. "It's when s---'s really going on. It's not for everybody because people show love and appreciation in different ways. But I do appreciate it because it gives you somebody's true thoughts and perspectives. It's a lost art."