3 Bold Warriors Predictions After Kerr and Green’s Futures Uncertain

It’s still early in the 2026 NBA playoffs, and we’re several weeks from the NBA offseason, but many basketball fans and analysts are already thinking ahead about what happens next for the Warriors. Although there’s an argument to be made that the Golden State dynasty ended shortly after the team's 2022 championship win, that point has been punctuated by their failure to make it past the play-in tournament this year. Especially, given head coach Steve Kerr’s ominous words to Steph Curry and Draymond Green at the conclusion of that loss to the Phoenix Suns. 

In case you missed it, Kerr told his longtime two star players, “I don't know what's gonna happen next, but I love you guys to death, and I thank you. I appreciate you.” He even threw in a hug. Green spoke of the moment on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, stating: 

“I hope he's our coach next year. You want my opinion? I think not, just because it just feels like that, it felt like that was it. I also hope I'm on this team next year. We also don't know that.”

With indications that Kerr is leaving, and Green himself not sure he’ll be on the team come the start of the new season, one has to ask what’s next? In this case, I’m the one, and I’ve come up with three bold predictions about the immediate future of Golden State.

Mark Jackson and/or Klay Thompson Return 

As much as I respect Kerr and all the work he’s done for the Warriors organization, in my opinion,  Mark Jackson never got the credit he deserved. The head coach of the team prior to Kerr’s arrival was the architect who helped to really develop the foundation of the Big Three of Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson. His time as head coach was just cut short. Considering he’s previously stated he’s open to coaching again, and he already has a working relationship with the Warriors organization and the respect of Curry, Jackson should be a top contender for the job, should Kerr not return.  

Then there’s Thompson. Although he had high hopes when he left the Warriors for the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2024, it’s clear he’s not the greatest fit for the Texas squad. Yes, he’s older, but his production has generally been lower while a Maverick. At one point, he became accustomed to coming off the bench. And respectfully, he’s no closer to getting a fifth ring in Dallas as the team stands today. Given that Dallas is also looking to shake things up to make themselves more competitive, Thompson is likely a bargaining chip to be traded. Don’t be surprised to see Thompson back on the Warriors roster by the end of the summer. 

Warriors Miss Out on Giannis, but Land Karl-Anthony Towns

Admittedly, I’ve previously said that Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was most likely to land in The Bay this summer alongside Curry. However, I’ve found myself reconsidering that notion. It’s certainly still a possibility, but with my doubts about New York making it to the NBA championship this year, I suspect the Knicks may also be in the market to make some adjustments once their playoff run comes to an end. 

There were already rumblings that the Knicks had an interest in Antetokounmpo, and I suspect they’ll make an enticing deal to acquire him. That being said, they’d have to give up some pieces, and that leads me to Towns. 

As I see it, Milwaukee, Golden State, and New York could wind up in a situation where Antetokounmpo, Towns, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Green are all on the market to be traded. Accounting for cash offers and “mid-level” players in the mix, I predict Towns lands on the Warriors, Antetokounmpo on the Knicks, and Porziņģis and Green on the Bucks. 

It should be stated that I fully remember the beef between Towns and Jimmy Butler during their time together in Minnesota. However, that was 2018, and it's 2026. Towns seems to have moved on and appears more committed to winning a ring. Given Butler certainly wants a championship ring, I think they may shock some people in their ability to work together again should the opportunity present itself.

LeBron James Doesn’t Sign with the Warriors After All 

In another case of me backtracking a bit, I’m a little less certain in the present that the Warriors will actually acquire LeBron James. He may actually stay with the Lakers. Although things between him and the Lakers appeared contentious at the beginning of the season, even up to the All-Star break, James’ relationship with the team has seemed to get better. He’s even scored some more playing time with Bronny. Considering he’s built quite the life for himself in LA, I won’t be surprised if he stays put for one more year. 

Heck, this is all of course if he doesn’t retire at the end of this season. Despite still proving he’s a force in this league, he’s 41 years old. Not even King James can battle Father Time. So he may not want to fully commit to another season, even if it’s for a farewell tour of sorts. 

From a Warriors’ perspective, as entertaining as it would be to see Curry and James play together, with possibly Butler joining them, I’m not entirely confident that’s the recipe for a championship squad. To add, it doesn’t necessarily set the organization up for the future, given the ages of all three players. 

But what are your thoughts? Do you think one or all of these predictions may come true? Do you have some of your own?

Related: Taylor Twellman Talks World Cup Predictions, Christian Pulisic, & Future of MLS (Exclusive)