Warriors' trade-deadline moves unlikely to be affected by Steve Kerr's contract status

Steve Kerr is in the final year of his current contract with the Golden State Warriors. The head coach has led the franchise to four championships during his tenure. 

Yet, Kerr has been unable to stop the Warriors' slide to 12th in the Western Conference this season. With the February 8 trade deadline fast approaching, there is a growing belief Golden State will be actively looking for ways to upgrade its roster.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, who was participating in his weekly Q&A on the Threads app, the Warriors are unlikely to allow Kerr's current contract situation to affect their plans on the trade market.

"I don’t sense that Steve Kerr’s contract situation plays any part in how the organization proceeds at the trade deadline," Wojnarowski wrote.

Despite the Warriors' struggles, it's unlikely the franchise will part with one of the most successful coaches in their history. Instead, the front office will likely try to bring in enough talent to help turn the current season around before deciding on how to improve the roster during the offseason.

Kerr's impact on the Warriors franchise has been significant. Unless Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob envision a full rebuild in the coming months, there's no reason to break up a coaching staff that has continually found ways to compete. Kerr is only 18 months removed from leading the Warriors to their last championship.

Lacob discussed Kerr's contract situation in October during an appearance on "Warriors Pregame Live," noting how he believes a deal will be done sooner or later.

"He was gone all summer," Lacob said. "It's not like he was here to talk to him about it. We've had substantial negotiations with him. I think we're getting close. We'll see if they think we're getting close. But I really do. We want Steve here obviously longer, for a long period. He wants to be here. Same story. We're a family here. We love continuity in all aspects and so I think it's going to get done."

Nevertheless, Kerr and his coaching staff will need to turn the team's season around soon. Otherwise, his contract negotiations in the summer could be more difficult than anyone first envisioned. 

The return of Draymond Green from suspension should help the Warriors begin making inroads on climbing the Western Conference. As will any potential new addition ahead of the trade deadline.