Warriors reportedly make successful pitch to Steve Kerr
The Golden State Warriors made an aggressive pitch to Steve Kerr, who now must decide between landing in the Bay and joining Phil Jackson in New York.
Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE
With the Golden State Warriors' previous coaching target Stan Van Gundy ready to join the Detroit Pistons, Warriors management flew to Oklahoma City to make a final pitch to TNT analyst Steve Kerr on Tuesday. Golden State made an aggressive pitch and enough of an impression to make Kerr's final decision a lot tougher, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
Kerr's interest in the Warriors' position is renewed, and he must now decide between that job opening and the one with the New York Knicks, who have been considered the favorite to land the former pupil of team president Phil Jackson.
Golden State of Mind
While Jackson’s relationship with Kerr makes it a strong possibility that the two will reunite, the Knicks have been slow to meet the contract wishes of Kerr, who is reportedly wanting a five year deal worth around $6 million a year. According to Wojnarowski, other teams are more willing to sign Kerr to a lengthy deal. That has put the Warriors back in the conversation after their meeting familiarized Kerr with the franchise.
Days ago, Golden State’s search seemed focused on chasing Van Gundy as head coach, but now that he’s accepted a five year, $35 million deal to join the Pistons as the president of basketball operations and head coach, the search circled back to Kerr.
Kerr could still see the Knicks opening as the favorite because of his relationship with Jackson and the ability to run the triangle offense. But he is also familiar with Warriors owner Joe Lacob and president Rick Welts, and coaching in Golden State would keep him closer to his family.
See More:
