Steve Kerr’s Extension Comes as He Reflects on a Roger Federer Visit That Shaped the Warriors’ Dynasty

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has signed a two-year contract extension that will carry him through a 13th season with the franchise, where he remains the NBA’s highest-paid head coach. Alongside the news, Kerr has been sharing one of his favorite stories about sustained excellence — a lesson drawn not from basketball, but from tennis.

A Locker-Room Visit in Shanghai

Kerr recounted that during the 2017 NBA Global Games, the Warriors were staying in Shanghai at the same time Roger Federer was competing at the Shanghai Masters. Kerr invited the tennis great to address the team, and Draymond Green asked the question on everyone’s mind: how had Federer kept winning major titles long after establishing himself among the sport’s all-time greats?

Rather than crediting grueling training regimens, Federer pointed to balance — a family routine that kept him happy while preserving his elite level of play. Kerr said the answer captured everything he believes about longevity at the top: love of the craft, love of family, and a mindset grounded in perspective and peace rather than outworking everyone else at all costs.

The timing was notable. The Warriors had already won two titles in three seasons when Federer spoke, and they followed the visit by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Finals for a second consecutive championship.

Looking Ahead

With the extension secured, Kerr spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area — part of the Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) regional sports network family — about the season ahead. Comcast shares closed at $26.33, down 0.98% from the prior close of $26.59, with a market capitalization of roughly $92.5 billion.

Kerr downplayed external expectations, saying teams enter “the danger zone” when they start predicting outcomes. His focus, he said, is on daily process: returning to core values, supporting one another, and maintaining attention to detail throughout the year.

What to watch

• Formal announcement details from the Warriors on the length and terms of Kerr’s extension.
• Kerr’s media availability as training camp and the preseason unfold.
• Golden State’s early-season performances as the franchise enters its 13th year under Kerr.

Source: original release