OAKLAND
Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson said he’s on the verge of agreeing to a two-year contract extension through 2010-11.
Nelson told reporters the deal is financially similar to his current contract, which ends this season. Such a deal would be worth about $12 million for the 68-year-old coach, who trails only Lenny Wilkens in career NBA coaching victories.
“It wasn’t my idea,” Nelson said after practice Saturday. “It was fine with me to weigh it year-to-year, but they came to me and wanted me to commit to three years. I’m pretty excited about it.”
Warriors spokesman Raymond Ridder said no extension has been signed.
Nelson is 1,280-954 in his coaching career, which began in Milwaukee in 1976. He rejoined the Warriors in 2006 and immediately led the club to its first playoff appearance in 13 years, followed by a 48-victory campaign last season.
Nelson also said he has no interest in becoming the Warriors’ general manager if the ongoing differences between president Robert Rowell and top basketball executive Chris Mullin result in Mullin’s departure.
Rowell has flexed his muscle in the organization in recent months by apparently overruling Mullin on at least two big decisions: a contract extension for Baron Davis and the club’s decision to suspend Monta Ellis for 30 games without pay after the guard injured his leg in a motorized scooter accident.
“I’m supporting Mully the whole way,” Nelson said. “I hope he gets his deal done as well. I love working with Mully.”
