Steve Kerr expects Bob Myers to be back next season as rumors of his exit gain pace
Recent reports have suggested that the Golden State Warriors are in danger of losing president and general manager Bob Myers. Myers’ contract is set to expire after this season with multiple teams reported to be interested in his services.
However, Warriors coach Steve Kerr remains confident that Myers will be back next season.
During a recent appearance on Damon & Ratto for 95.7 The Games, Kerr addressed Myers’ upcoming free agency.
"I expect him to be back (next season). I can't imagine him not being in this job,” he said.
"I expect him to be back [next season]. I can't imagine him not being in this job."
- Steve Kerr on Bob Myers' future with the Warriors (via @DamonAndRatto).
Most would agree that the Warriors have had a disappointing season so far. They hold a 24-24 record and are eighth in the Western Conference.
However, Myers has still been the architect of the Warriors’ four title rosters in the Steph Curry era, including last year’s championship. He has been Golden State’s GM since 2012.
So we could see the Warriors do everything they can to retain him.
Why haven’t the Golden State Warriors re-signed Bob Myers yet?
Bob Myers and the Golden State Warriors haven’t agreed to an extension yet due to a couple factors. This includes financial reasons as well as the possibility that Myers may be ready to move on to a new challenge.
Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson II and Sam Amick recently broke down these potential contract extension hang-ups in an in-depth piece for The Athletic. Slater, Thompson and Amick first explained that Bob Myers is expecting a big payday for all he has accomplished in Golden State.
“For all the nuance that surrounds the situation, this much is clear: team and league sources, who like all of the sources in this story were granted anonymity so they could speak freely, say Myers believes he should be among the highest-paid front office executives in the league, if not the highest,” the report read.
“He’s been the architect of four NBA title teams, was the lead recruiter in the Durant free agency signing, and has been the trusted conduit between players, coaches and ownership. Myers also has served as chief problem solver, the coolant in an ecosystem that periodically overheats.”
Slater, Thompson and Amick then explained that Myers and his family might be ready for a fresh start elsewhere.
“Part of the equation for Myers, known for his deep conversations and intellectual curiosity, is the contemplation of what’s next,” the report read.
“After more than a decade of building a dynasty, and managing it through the intensity of modern scrutiny, and living beneath the relentless pressure of the Warriors’ championship standard, might Myers be interested in a new challenge?
“Would it be better for him and his family to move on, build up another franchise away from the Golden State fish bowl? He walked away from a successful career as a player agent to become an NBA executive. Is it now time to leave the front office behind and try his hand in another industry?”
As for where Bob Myers could go if he opts to leave the Warriors, Slater, Thompson and Amick listed four teams worth monitoring. These include the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and the LA Clippers.
“According to sources close to the situation, Washington, Phoenix, and New York are all worth monitoring as possibilities,” the report said. “Meanwhile, the recent focus in front office circles, where Myers’ situation has become a hot topic, is on the Clippers.
“They have the richest owner in all of professional sports in Steve Ballmer, the 66-year-old former Microsoft CEO with an $83 billion net worth who has taken the blank-check approach to his title pursuit since buying the team in 2014.”
It's obviously still too early to tell what will happen. However, as of now, it looks like Warriors fans should brace for the possibility of front office turnover for the first time in over a decade.
For The Athletic’s full report on the possibility of Bob Myers leaving Golden State, click here.