It wasn’t the sting of elimination for the Warriors (10th in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record), but an unexpected courtside message from Steve Kerr that defined the end of their season. After losing to the Phoenix Suns 111-96, the veteran said “thank you” to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, his two most important players.

With his contract expiring, this could be Kerr’s last year with the Warriors—yes, the man responsible for the franchise’s longest stretch of wins. It’s been a conversation all season long.

Talking to the media in the post-game conference, Curry revealed he wasn’t expecting Kerr to express his state of mind right after the loss.

“I was kind of fighting it, to be honest…” Curry said. “You’ve ended your season a lot of different ways, and you’ve had those moments on the sideline where you go up and down, and, you know, thank everybody for what they’ve poured into the year. But for it to start with that conversation and that moment, it was definitely weird.”

Curry‘s surprise stemmed from the team’s singular focus in recent weeks. With every discussion centered on fighting for a playoff spot, Kerr’s moment of reflective gratitude felt like an abrupt shift from a coach who was in postseason mode. Adding to the team’s struggles, Curry had a mediocre night and was upset by his lack of contribution. In his 36 minutes of play, the 38-year-old scored 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

But this could very well have been the last time Kerr coached the Warriors.

However, Kerr is relaxed and wants to take some time before meeting with the Warriors to discuss his future. If it is the end, Kerr revealed he’s ‘grateful’ for the opportunity to coach the likes of Curry and Green. But the Warriors’ cornerstone is confident that the renowned HC still has what it takes.

Stephen Curry gives his vote of confidence to Steve Kerr

Curry initially expressed surprise when he learnt about Kerr’s transparent post-game interview after the loss to the Suns. “I think everything we’ve done is unprecedented,” the Baby Face Assassin said, praising the Warriors’ head coach.

Curry’s praise stems from an unprecedented run under Kerr that included eight playoff appearances, four NBA titles, a record-breaking 73-win season, and a near three-peat, accomplishments that make a single injury-plagued season feel like an unfitting end.

“I think coach is fully capable of doing that and thinking you know outside the box as we go. But to his point, your spirit has to be in it, your mind has to be in it, your coaching staff. Like every dynamic has to be on that journey with you So, only he can answer that,” Curry added.

But to his point, Kerr deserves a proper send-off. This year, he lost vital players in Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Even Curry missed significant time while Porzingis was in and out of the lineup. It wasn’t an optimal season for Kerr, as injuries to key players constantly obstructed his ability to build momentum for another playoff run.

So even if it is another year, Kerr has earned that. The former Bulls shooting guard has the trust of his players and his organization. But even if they decide to go in another direction, Kerr has made an indelible impact on the franchise. His future also depends on his own mental fortitude to handle the uncertainties of another season.

Dub Nation could have mixed opinions. But the most important thing is that Curry and Co. still believe Kerr is the right man for the task. Do you think that will influence the decision-makers to give Kerr a contract extension? Let us know your views in the comments below.