Steve Kerr was destined to work with one of the greatest players in the NBA currently. Both Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry enjoyed a strong working relationship, with Kerr consistently acknowledging Curry for making his coaching career with the Golden State Warriors easy.
Curry’s talent played a crucial role in elevating the Warriors to the status of the best team in the NBA in over a decade. His skills attracted interest from several teams eager to discuss the possibility of adding him to their roster. Recently, Kerr also shared his consideration from 2009.
Steve Kerr reveals fascinating Stephen Curry trade story
Before coaching Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr was the part-owner and general manager of the Phoenix Suns. He initiated several significant moves to try to lead the franchise to a championship, making trades for players like Shaquille O’Neal, Boris Diaw, and Raja Bell.
Despite these efforts, the Suns couldn’t secure a title, leading to Kerr stepping down in 2010. Although he continued as a minority owner, he eventually became the coach of the Golden State Warriors in 2014.
In his tenure with the Warriors, Kerr achieved four championships, largely attributed to Stephen Curry’s contributions. Before their dynasty days, however, Curry and Kerr were almost associated with the same organization. They discussed this potential trade on an episode of “Headliners” with Rachel Nichols posted on X @LegionHoops.
“Yeah, I was the GM in Phoenix from 2007-2010,” Kerr revealed. “We were looking at Steph (Curry) and seeing Steve Nash, you know, the next version.” Kerr added also, “They were so alike in many ways, and so we had watched Steve become a two-time MVP, so all of the concerns that most of the people in the league had about Steph in terms of size and defense and athleticism, we saw everything we needed to see.”
Kerr revealed that they believed a trade was imminent, especially when Steph Curry fell to the seventh pick. Unfortunately, the deal didn’t come to fruition, and the Warriors retained Curry. Fortunately, their paths crossed later, resulting in the formation of one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Nevertheless, it stands as one of the significant “what-ifs” in Suns’ history.
Steph Curry’s accomplishment with the Warriors
Wardell Stephen “Steph” Curry II, widely known as Steph Curry or the “baby-faced assassin,” stands out as one of the rare individuals who have transformed the game of basketball. Universally recognized as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry is a key player for the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association (NBA), having been selected as the 7th pick in the 2009 NBA draft.
His remarkable career includes winning four NBA championships with the Warriors in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, earning him the status of a two-time regular-season MVP. Many experts, including former players, attribute the evolution of today’s NBA to Stephen Curry, specifically acknowledging his shooting prowess. His ability to score from well beyond the 3-point line has influenced new players.
Beyond championships and MVP titles, Stephen Curry boasts a stellar resume with nine All-Star appearances and nine All-NBA selections (four First Team, four Second Team, and one Third Team). Additionally, he secured two scoring championships in 2016 and 2021 and led the NBA in steals in 2016.
His international achievements include being part of the US team that won the FIBA World Cup in 2010 and 2014. Throughout his 14 seasons in the NBA, Curry’s impact has been profound. The Warriors enjoyed a dominant period between 2015 and 2018, clinching three championship rings. Adding to his illustrious career, Curry secured his fourth championship in 2022.
