"I don't know what's going to happen, but I love you guys to death": An era ends in the NBA

An era appears to be drawing to a close in San Francisco. The Golden State Warriors have been eliminated from the NBA play-in tournament by the Phoenix Suns (96-111), in what could mark Steve Kerr's final game as the team's head coach.

The 60-year-old coach's contract with the Warriors is expiring, and a departure after 12 years and four championship rings is a distinct possibility. Kerr used the final minutes of the loss to the Suns to have a brief conversation with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, two players who have never represented another professional team.

Kerr gathered the two athletes, delivered a short speech, and thanked them in a moment that concluded with a heartfelt embrace: "I don't know what's going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you." The 60-year-old coach described himself as "blessed" and "the luckiest man in NBA history" after the game.

"I played with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Tim Duncan, and David Robinson. I was coached by Pop [Gregg Popovich], Phil Jackson, and Lenny Wilkens. Then I come here, inherit this team, and have the opportunity to coach Steph Curry, who is undoubtedly the greatest figure of a club in any sport. He lets me coach him and wants me to coach him."

Steve Kerr won five rings as a player, with the Chicago Bulls (1996, 1997, and 1998) and the San Antonio Spurs (1999 and 2003), and four as head coach of the Warriors, in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Steph Curry is under contract until 2027, while Draymond Green has a player option to extend his deal for an additional year.