Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr refutes end-of-era implications of Game 5

The Golden State Warriors are now one loss away from playoff elimination, needing to win three-straight games against the Los Angeles Lakers to avoid that fate. For some though, there’s a belief that one more loss to the Lakers would signify more than just the end of the defending champions’ season.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have developed into one of the most successful and famous trios in NBA history since the latter was drafted in 2012. But heading into Game 5 back at Chase Center, the question is being posed on whether it will be the last time we see them playing together?

Golden State Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr has refuted the idea that this will be the last time Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green play together.

Steve Kerr doesn’t believe the notion that he will never coach the ‘big three’ again after this postseason. The trio’s head coach since 2015, Kerr was asked if he’d entertained the idea during Tuesday’s interview on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs.

"“No. That’s never crossed my mind. I played on those Bulls teams, the last dance. I can tell you from experience, even though everybody now says, ‘why didn’t they keep that team together?’ That team was done, that team was finished. Emotionally, mentally, there was nothing left in the tank. I don’t feel that about this team at all. I think these guys — Steph, Klay, Draymond — they’ve got lots to give for years to come.”"

The trio have won four championships as part of six trips to the NBA Finals over the past nine seasons. Curry has been one of the most transcendent superstars in the league this century, Thompson has joined him to create the best shooting backcourt in history, and Green has cemented himself as one of the best defenders of all-time.

While Curry is contracted for the next three seasons, and Thompson till the end of next, Green has a player option that could see him become a free agent this offseason. If he does opt out of the $27.6 million, then that opens up the possibility of his departure from the franchise.

There’s still a high likelihood that Green opts out and re-negotiations a new contract with Golden State, but at some point something has to give on the most expensive roster in the league — one that can’t be supported by second-round exits.

Whether this is the end of the Warriors’ big three, or whether Kerr’s right in saying they have ‘years to come’, fans should appreciate the trio regardless. That could be difficult though if the Warriors provide a meek ending to their season at home on Wednesday.