This offseason has been relatively quiet for a team that traded Jimmy Butler mid-season to boost its 2025 title hopes. With only nine players currently on the roster and the Kuminga situation still unresolved, the organization focused on making significant changes to the coaching staff, if not the player lineup. And this major development happened on a special day: Steve Kerr’s 60th birthday.

The Warriors’ official page celebrated Steve Kerr’s 60th birthday, inviting fans to flood the comments with well-wishes. Kerr, who took over in 2014, led the team to a championship in his first season and has since added three more titles. He also made history guiding the record-breaking 73-9 Warriors. As the Curry era nears its end, fans are eager to see how Kerr will steer the team toward another title — starting with key behind-the-scenes moves.

Probably the best birthday gift Kerr could ask for was a reunion with his son, Nicholas Kerr, who will be joining the organization as an assistant coach. Nicholas spent the last two seasons as head coach of the Santa Cruz Warriors, the G-League affiliate of Golden State. Having been with the organization since 2018 in player development and as a video coordinator, the father-son duo will now be among the few in NBA history to serve together on the same coaching staff, joining the ranks of pairs like Bernie and J.B. Bickerstaff, Doc and Spencer Rivers, or Rick and David Adelman.

Back when Nick was appointed head coach of the Santa Cruz Warriors, he faced criticism over nepotism, which he openly admitted in a 2023 interview: “I would never have gotten into the NBA without a family connection,” Kerr said. “I don’t blame anyone for saying I have privilege. They’re right.” But his 59–44 record over two seasons in the G-League clearly points to his capability and suggests he could be a strong bridge between the younger players and the veterans, especially since Steve himself admitted he’s not great with the younger crew.

The Warriors also announced several promotions within their basketball operations department. Ben Stelzer, who spent the past two seasons with the Santa Cruz Warriors, is now Head Video Coordinator. David Fatoki has been promoted to Vice President of Basketball Development after serving as GM for the G-League affiliate. Ryan Atkinson has moved up to Senior Director of Basketball Operations, following two seasons as the affiliate’s general manager. Several other names were also included in the list.

While fans and the team are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping these changes pay off, the road ahead is still a rough one. There’s plenty of figuring out to be done before the season tips off later this October. And the biggest question on everyone’s mind? Jonathan Kuminga.

The Kuminga Conundrum: Warriors at a Crossroads

The Jonathan Kuminga saga hasn’t made any real progress. As of September 27, NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported that the Warriors are holding their ground: any new deal for Kuminga must include a team option. “The Warriors likewise do not appear willing to revamp the most recent offers they’ve made to Kuminga,” Fischer explained.

“The two most notable are a three-year pact worth $75 million and a two-year pitch worth $45 million—both of which feature a team option rather than a player option in the final season.” While Kuminga’s camp has pushed hard to flip those options, the Warriors have their swords sheathed, holding their ground, ready for the long game.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. With veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green leading the team, giving out the wrong extension could mess with the roster flexibility. On the other hand, letting an NBA champ walk away is just as risky. Over the past two seasons, Kuminga has averaged 15.8 points on 49.9% shooting in 25.6 minutes per game. Start him, and those numbers jump to 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 51.4% shooting efficiency—a stat line that has the front office biting their nails.

Adding to the tension, the Warriors passed on the Sacramento Kings’ sign-and-trade offer. “Fischer confirms the Kings tried to restart sign-and-trade talks for Kuminga, but the Warriors aren’t interested in taking back Malik Monk in part because of his $21.5MM player option for ’27/28. The Warriors want to maintain maximum roster flexibility for the 2027 offseason, Fischer explains, when the contracts of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green expire,” the report said. On top of that, Giannis Antetokounmpo is also set to become a free agent, adding more eyes on the situation.

For now, the Warriors are crunching numbers, weighing every move, and thinking long-term. But one thing is clear: the Kuminga situation is a problem that needs solving.