Following the Golden State Warriors’ elimination from the season-ending play-in tournament with a loss to the Sacramento Kings, head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the significance of retaining Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson for the entirety of their careers.

Kerr remarked, as reported by ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, that perfect endings are rare in sports, drawing parallels to the fragmented conclusion of the legendary ’96 or ’98 Bulls era. Despite winning a championship in their final season together, there was a documentary highlighting the tumultuous nature of their journey. Kerr stressed the value of the three Warriors stalwarts concluding their careers with the team, emphasizing the importance of dignity and pride in their accomplishments.

Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson have remained loyal to the Warriors throughout their careers, securing four championships since the 2014-15 season. Despite recent struggles, Kerr believes maintaining their core is the optimal strategy for the team’s future.

General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. echoed Kerr’s sentiments, expressing a desire to retain Thompson and Green for the upcoming season.

Thompson, entering free agency this offseason, has garnered interest from teams like the Orlando Magic and the Dallas Mavericks. Given his performance this season, where he recorded his lowest scoring average since 2012-13 and notably went 0-for-10 from the field in the recent loss to the Kings, Golden State may face challenges in matching potential lucrative offers from other teams.

Draymond Green’s contributions this season included averages of 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and six assists per game, but his impact was marred by suspensions, including a high-profile incident with Rudy Gobert and a subsequent altercation with Jusuf Nurkić. His suspension cost him 16 games, during which the Warriors posted an even 8-8 record.

Despite recent setbacks, the Warriors have faced similar doubts in the past, only to respond with championship success in 2022 after missing the playoffs in 2020 and 2021. While the future of Curry, Thompson, and Green remains uncertain, Kerr’s priority is to see them through their journey with the team, allowing them to finish what they started.

The emergence of Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, who are still on rookie deals, helps.

But, as Kerr said, “Can we do that again somehow with a second-round pick? It would be tough … you would have to make a really savvy trade, if you’re Mike, to be able to accomplish both of those things. So it’s not easy, but it is possible to go bargain-hunting and find guys.”

Both Dunleavy and Kerr expressed their belief in the amount of quality basketball Curry, Green and Thompson all have left to play.

However, adjustments must be made for the Warriors to get back to the playoffs, let alone title contention.