The Golden State Warriors made their first big splash of the offseason when they re-signed Steve Kerr to a new contract this past weekend. It took three weeks of consideration from both Kerr and the Warriors' front office and multiple conversations, but the two-year deal keeps the 12-year head coach in his rightful position.

It was well documented how uncertain this contract seemed a few weeks ago, especially on Kerr's side, as he could have chosen a few other options if he didn't want to return to Golden State.

However, it seems even the most inside reporting couldn't cover just how close Kerr actually was to not returning.

On Thursday, ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson dropped a huge feature on Kerr, built on time spent with the coach throughout the season.

Thompson's lede was a bombshell, giving insight into Kerr's mindset heading into the Warriors' first Play-In game against the Clippers.

"Win or lose, he'd decided to retire as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. When this season ended, his 12-year run with the Golden State Warriors would end, too."

"'I think it's over,' he said, almost mouthing the words ... He put the odds at 95 percent. In the last few days he'd grown more certain."

Retirement from coaching was certainly seen as an option for Kerr, but to know that he had felt so strongly about it even before the season ended for the Warriors is pretty unbelievable.

Evidently, a few things changed in between then and now.

Kerr's discussions with the Warriors' front office, including owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., most likely played a large role. It was reported that the two sides had various aspects of the job that they wanted to be changed or improved, and the communication between the two sides presumably increased Kerr's confidence in returning.

However, it's also just as likely that the Warriors' result in that Clippers game played its own role.

Kerr has been emphatic on how much Steph Curry and Draymond Green mean to him, as well as how much they impact his decision to return or leave. The coach may have been certain ahead of the game that he'd retire, but seeing the performance Curry and Green put on against the Clippers could be enough to change anybody's mind.

Curry exploded for 27 second-half points and hit a vintage step-back three in the clutch, while Green turned back the clock and forced two massive steals in the final minute, including one against Kawhi Leonard.

To see his two most important players show out like that, even at their veteran age, perhaps showed Kerr that they still had a chance. Even though they lost to the Suns two days later and were eliminated, the trio of Curry, Green, and Kerr could always do damage.