Kerr's contract expires June 30 but he had been expecting and hoping to return until negotiations for his contract and an opportunity to return to television as a NBA commentator prompted him to leave the organization after three years as its GM, Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver said.
Kerr could not be reached for comment. Sources differ on whether Kerr was asked to take a pay cut.
Profile slideshow: Steve Kerr
The move will shock many in the NBA after Kerr's team went 54-28 this season and reached the Western Conference finals.
"I wouldn't say it's a big surprise," Sarver said. "Television is what he did before he came on board. It's a change of plans from during the season. It boiled down to a number of things, including lifestyle and the opportunity. I was hoping to have him back."
Sarver said the differences in financial negotiations played a "small part," if any at all.
I'm guessin' Kerr & Sarver were at odds about what to do with Amare Stoudamire...
"Ah fuck. You are right." KYJelly, 11/6/12
"The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam." Barack Obama, 9/25/12
