Steph Curry WAIVED From The Warriors After Defending Steve Kerr Over His Firing

The 2025-26 NBA season has concluded with a staggering reality for the Golden State Warriors: the dynasty isn’t just aging; it is actively dissolving. Following a 111-96 play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns on April 17, 2026, the franchise stands at a crossroads that feels less like a transition and more like a collapse.

While sensationalist reports claim Steph Curry has been “waived” for defending a “fired” Steve Kerr, the truth is far more nuanced—a high-stakes corporate drama where the greatest shooter of all time is using his remaining leverage to protect the architect of his four championships.

The Fallout: A Relationship at the Expiration Date

Steve Kerr’s contract has officially expired. He was not fired, but the environment surrounding his departure suggests an organization that has stopped trying to keep him. Kerr’s post-game language in Phoenix was that of a man who has already checked out, referring to the “expiration date” of coaching jobs.

The tension between Kerr and the Warriors’ front office has been simmering for months, fueled by several key fractures:

The Jonathan Kuminga Conflict: Management viewed Kuminga as a cornerstone; Kerr struggled to find him a role in his system, eventually leading to a trade for Kristaps Porzingis.

Philosophical Divide: The analytics department is reportedly frustrated with the team’s high turnover rate and extreme reliance on the three-point shot (1st in attempt rate, but only 19th in percentage).

Financial Weight: As the NBA’s highest-paid coach ($17.5 million this season), Kerr represents a significant cost for a team that finished with only 37 wins and a massive luxury tax bill.

A Season Derailed by Triage

To understand why the Warriors fell into “play-in purgatory,” one must look at the medical reports. The team was never healthy enough to establish a rhythm, forcing Kerr to cycle through 43 different starting lineups.

The season’s collapse can be traced through three specific injuries:

Jimmy Butler (Torn ACL): The team’s primary acquisition to support Curry was lost mid-season, ending the Warriors’ status as a “complete” team.

Steph Curry (Runner’s Knee): Curry missed 39 games, and while he returned for the play-in, his lack of separation against Phoenix’s physical defense showed the toll of a 38-year-old body.

Moses Moody (Torn Patellar Tendon): This removed a key young piece from the rotation, further depleting the team’s defensive depth.

The Leverage of Steph Curry

In the wake of Kerr’s uncertain future, Steph Curry has been vocal. He described the team’s decade-long run as “unprecedented” and explicitly stated his desire for Kerr to remain at the helm.

Curry’s defense of Kerr isn’t just about sentiment; it is a calculated use of power. Curry is the sun around which the entire Golden State universe revolves. By publicly backing Kerr, he has placed the front office in an impossible position: push out the coach the franchise legend wants, and risk alienating the only player keeping the Warriors relevant.

Despite the “waived” rumors, the facts remain:

Curry’s Contract: He is owed $62.6 million for the 2026-27 season.

Extension Talks: The Warriors are reportedly preparing a two-year extension offer worth up to $136.7 million.

The Next Era: Rebuilding in the Construction Zone

The Warriors find themselves in a “Kobe-esque” final act. Much like the Lakers’ struggle to remain competitive during Bryant’s final three seasons, Golden State is trying to balance a respect for their legends with the cold necessity of rebuilding.

The front office is already looking toward the future, with reports of interest in Florida coach Todd Golden, known for an “analytics-friendly” approach that stands in stark contrast to Kerr’s motion-offense philosophy.

Whether Kerr signs a multi-year deal or walks away, the “Death Star” era of Golden State is over. The team that redefined modern basketball is now a fading dynasty, left to decide if they will watch the final sunsets of Curry’s career together or apart. The legacy—a 68.4% winning percentage and four titles—is secure, but the future is a blank, and increasingly cold, slate.