The Golden State Warriors announced today that the club has elected not to renew the contract of Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin. In a related move, the team has named Larry Riley as the clubs new General Manager.

?Its never an easy decision to make a change, said Warriors President Robert Rowell. ?This case is compounded by the fact it involves Chris Mullin -- someone who has provided Bay Area fans with many great memories over the years, as both a player and executive. Hes a class individual who will always be remembered for his accomplishments with the Warriors organization.

The speculation will only grow that Mullin will eventually land in New York as Walsh's general manager and perhaps will be groomed as the successor once Walsh is ready to pass the baton (post 2010, of course). Walsh has avoided any public comments about Mullin because he was technically employed by another team.

There doesn't seem to be a plan in place as of yet, as far as we have heard. Mullin is highly regarded by Walsh, who had him in Indiana as a key member of those great Pacers teams in the late 1990s. But Walsh also has several other proteges to consider, namely Billy King and Billy Knight, among others.

Mullin's contract officially runs out June 30, but the Warriors will almost assuredly immediately allow him to talk with other teams to find a new job.

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