See, the Golden State Warriors’ last season was undeniably atrocious. Whichever way you try to paint that picture, the Dubs had a losing record of 37-45. That’s the reality. With emotions at their peak after losing to the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament, the front office appears to have (for lack of a better word) slept on it, viz., their decision on Steve Kerr’s future in the Bay Area. Because… when was the last time you actually heard nothing about a high-profile trade or contract? This is a very conscious ploy by Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy.

The intention behind getting the band back for one last shot has divided the fanbase. Multiple reports emerging from within, especially the disharmony around Jonathan Kuminga’s exit, were the tipping point for many. Not to forget how Lacob randomly decided to reply to a fan email in December. In that he mentioned, “Coaches desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy [Butler] is not the problem.” What is the problem then? Kerr then tried to downplay the reply, saying, “It’s not a big deal.” But solving the present head coach dilemma definitely is. And that’s why there’s going to be a meeting. Again.

“League sources tell The Stein Line that ESPN’s top executives have been lobbying Kerr aggressively to try to convince him to return to the world of NBA broadcasting, but the Warriors are expected to meet with Kerr as early as Monday to resume discussions about his status,” Insider Marc Stein wrote. “I’m told Golden State has been operating internally in recent days as though it is more likely than not that a common ground can be found with the 60-year-old on a new deal that would keep him in place coaching Stephen Curry.”

The two most important people in the Warriors‘ front office met with Kerr for two hours on Monday last week. But the outcome? “From what I understand, (Kerr) in those meetings didn’t sound like someone who didn’t plan on coaching next season,” a league source said. The front office’s belief remains the same: they want Kerr for a multiyear deal, presumably so the 2026-27 season doesn’t have a ‘Last Dance’ feel.

Last week, there were reports that the front office was considering the NCAA champion and current Florida Gators’ head coach, Todd Golden, who shares a close rapport with Lacob, as he was the coach of the San Francisco Dons for three years. But it seems the interest has cooled off as the Warriors are keen for Kerr to return. That’s why two meetings in two weeks, suggesting they don’t want the longtime coach to leave amid ESPN’s interest.

If Kerr does accept the broadcasting role, he’d be no rookie there…

After retiring in 2003, Kerr joined TNT as a color commentator alongside Marv Albert. He left broadcasting in 2007 to become the GM of the Suns, then returned to TNT as an NBA analyst for the 2010-11 season. Plus, he has experience calling NCAA Tournament and Final Four games. So, no doubt ESPN wants the 60-year-old, especially after the emotional scenes that transpired after the Warriors’ exit in the postseason.

On April 17, he shared an emotional moment with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, calling a huddle with two of his longest-serving players. When he said, “These jobs all have an expiration date. There’s a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it’s time for new blood and new ideas and all that,” the rumors intensified that Kerr would depart. But has that belief now changed?

The Warriors will want Steve Kerr back, but here’s a list of people who can replace him, just in case…

Missing the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, capped by this year’s playoff exit, means the pressure on the front office is real. After all, they have limited time with franchise Stephen Curry on the back end of his career. But they trust the one man who has done this job successfully for the past 12 seasons.

“There is not one person within the organization who wants Kerr to walk away,” according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. “Lacob and Dunleavy have both made it known to Kerr that they want him back, as have Curry, Green, and the entire locker room. One of the main reasons Butler feels so comfortable with the Warriors since arriving at last year’s trade deadline is due to the family-like atmosphere Kerr has helped create.”

So it’s clear that the Golden State wants Steve Kerr to stay. Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. are taking multiple efforts to convince the coach during these meetings.

Now, in case the NBA veteran does not end up returning, the Dubs front office has plenty of choices out there. If they want a veteran and winning pedigree, Mike Budenholzer, Frank Vogel, Jason Kidd, or Tom Thibodeau can be in the pool. Mike Brown or Kenny Atkinson are possible reinforcements, too. Both won championships with the Warriors under Kerr: Brown in 2017, 2018, and 2022, and Atkinson in 2022.

Thinking outside the box? Becky Hammon. She coached the Las Vegas Aces to three of the last four WNBA titles after a seven-year stint as an assistant under Gregg Popovich. Keep in mind that Lacob had snatched her lead assistant, Natalie Nakase, to coach the Golden State Valkyries.