Golden State Warriors Breaking Up In 2019? Steve Kerr Hints At Possibility

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr repeatedly hinted the upcoming season could be the last his core group of players play together.

The Warriors swept the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this summer to win their third championship in four years and will now aim to become the first team since the Los Angeles Lakers from 2000 to 2002 to achieve a threepeat.

Assisting them in that goal is DeMarcus Cousins, who was added to the roster on a one-year deal just one day after LeBron James signed for the Los Angeles Lakers. It means the Warriors could become the first team since the Boston Celtics in 1975/76 to field a starting lineup of All-Stars, but it may not last for long.

Speaking to reporters during NBA media day Monday, Kerr mentioned the possibility of this season being the last for his group of players, namely Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant. And it wasn't the first time either, according to the Washington Post's Tim Bontemps.

"A lot could change. We don’t know," Kerr said, as quoted on Mercury News. "Obviously we want to keep this thing going. At some point, you just have to enjoy the moment and enjoy the now. There’s going to be so much speculation on what’s ahead. Nobody knows what’s ahead."

There is certainly a possibility the Warriors break up. The question is which player could it be and whether it could be more than one, though the latter is unlikely.

Thompson is one of the players who can become a free agent next season. The Splash Brother has already outlined his plans to be a Warrior for life, but may have to take a discounted deal next summer in order to stay with the Bay Area side.

Add in the fact that his father, Mychal, a former champion with the Lakers, wants him to move to there, as well as reports that the 16-time champions prefer Klay over Kawhi Leonard next year, it's something to keep an eye on.

Thompson, though, reiterated his desire to stay in San Francisco.

"When guys go into free agency they’re searching for a situation like mine or similar to our team. I’m perfectly content here," Thompson said. "Just look around the walls at all the art and to see I was a part of this buildup is what keeps me motivated and keeps me wanting to be a Warrior for my whole career."

Green, meanwhile, expected to be at the Warriors for a long time, even if it's unlikely he signs an extension before potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2020.

The most interesting one is Durant, however. The 29-year-old signed a one-plus-one contract earlier this summer and speculation has been rife he will become a free agent next year and leave the Bay Area in search of a new challenge.

The Lakers are heavily linked, while the New York Knicks are also touted as an option. In addition, Kerr previously stated he's only focused on the upcoming season rather than Durant's future.

Durant did not inspire much confidence on media day either, saying he wants to take things "season by season" and will see what happens after the upcoming campaign ends.

The only certainty at this point, for the long-term at least, is Curry, who last year signed a five-year, $201 million deal.