Apparently, Steve Kerr might be headed for his annual offseason hobby: making everyone wonder what exactly he plans to do next.
This time, the drama comes with a little extra spice.
According to the rumor mill, which, let’s be honest, has never met a quiet day it liked, ESPN is reportedly making a serious push to get Kerr back on television. Yes, back to the land of polished desks, hot takes, and people arguing about pick-and-roll coverage for three straight hours.
And honestly? It makes sense. Kerr on TV was smooth, calm, and smart. Basically the exact opposite of half the sports debate universe, where volume often replaces logic.
The timing of this chatter is what has everyone raising an eyebrow.
Kerr’s contract with the Golden State Warriors is set to expire this spring, and he chose not to lock in an extension. Translation: he’s officially entered the “mysterious future” phase of NBA coaching.
Nothing gets basketball fans sweating faster than a coach refusing to answer long-term questions.
“League sources tell The Stein Line that ESPN’s top executives have been lobbying Kerr aggressively to try to convince him to return to the world of NBA broadcasting, but the Warriors are expected to meet with Kerr as early as Monday to resume discussions about his status. I’m told Golden State has been operating internally in recent days as though it is more likely than not that a common ground can be found with the 60-year-old on a new deal that would keep him in place coaching Stephen Curry.”
As evidenced by the fact that a recent Q&A with the New Yorker made headlines, when Kerr speaks, people around the NBA listen. Add that to his wealth of experience as a broadcaster, and it’s no surprise that ESPN would make a run at him.
ESPN also geared up for its new 11-year broadcast rights deal with the NBA by licensing Inside the NBA from TNT Sports. The network now has the strong NBA studio show that it has long struggled to produce. With Kerr, it would have a broadcast team befitting of the home of the Finals.
So for now, Warriors fans wait nervously while ESPN lurks nearby with a contract and probably very flattering compliments.
Classic sports drama, because apparently, even the offseason needs a cliffhanger.
