Warriors Breaking Up? Steve Kerr's Clear Message About Speculation

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made it clear how he feels about speculation over whether this could be the last season for his core group of players.

Speculation has been rife about the core group of players who have won three championships in the last four years, particularly because of Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson's contract situations.

Durant signed a one-plus-one deal earlier this summer and is rumored to be departing the Bay Area next summer when he can become an unrestricted free agent, with the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks reportedly interested.

Meanwhile, Thompson can also become a free agent and although he has reiterated his desire to remain a Warrior, he may have to accept a discounted deal if Durant stays with the team. The Lakers are also interested in his signature.

However, Kerr put the speculation to rest when asked if the economics of the game could split his key players up.

Coincidentally, it was Kerr himself, who hinted this upcoming season may be the last for his players as he urged them to enjoy the present more than ever last month.

"A lot could change. We don’t know," Kerr said. "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."

The 53-year-old would later state he hoped this wouldn't be "the last dance" for his team but seems more adamant than ever that his starters will remain at Golden State beyond next summer.

If the Warriors are to keep Durant and Thompson in addition to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for the next few years, it will not be cheap.

According to Patrick Murray of Forbes, it could cost as much as $300 million per year, including luxury tax, depending on what decisions the front office makes. However, he writes that the franchise do have the money to cover that amount, especially when they leave the Oracle Arena for the Chase Center ahead of the 2019/20 season.

"The simple answer appears to be a resounding yes," Murray wrote. "The naming rights, luxury suites, and ticket price increases at the Chase Center, plus a new TV deal, could total an extra $90-95m income every year. Even with the Warriors contributing 30% of the $75-80M that would count towards revenue sharing to the league-wide pool, that still leaves around an extra $70M of annual income headed their way that’s locked in on a long-term basis."

"Just on that basis alone, considering they will likely be profitable on a $200m payroll in Oracle, the Warriors would still be able to turn a profit on a $300m payroll once in the Chase Center," he said.

The Warriors are already a formidable outfit. With the addition of DeMarcus Cousins to the roster, it's hard to see this current group of players not completing a historic threepeat this season, even if LeBron James still expects to continue his streak of consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

If they can keep their core group of players beyond next summer, they may even emulate the Boston Celtics of the sixties.