The Warriors announced yesterday general manager Chris Mullin's contract will not be renewed, leaving open the possibility of the former St. John's superstar joining the Knicks' front office.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh has told confidants he will not decide on whether to hire a GM until after the NBA Draft in late June and he is still committed to that plan. Walsh and Mullin have a long relationship, as Mullin played for Walsh in Indiana. They were seen together at the Jimmy V Classic at the Garden in December. Glen Grunwald, who has been serving as the Knicks' quasi-GM in his role as senior VP, has one more year on his contract. Walsh has been very happy with Grunwald's performance.
Sources do not believe Walsh had contacted the Warriors about Mullin.
Warriors assistant GM Larry Riley was promoted to Mullin's spot, but Mullin had already lost most of his power in Golden State in November.
"It's never an easy decision to make a change," said team president Robert Rowell, who publicly disagreed with Mullin on two important decisions last year. "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. He's a class individual who will always be remembered for his accomplishments with the Warriors organization."
Mullin didn't immediately return a call to his cell phone.
Mullin and Rowell clashed last summer over decisions on a contract extension for Baron Davis and a suspension for injured guard Monta Ellis, with Rowell apparently overruling Mullin both times.
Riley, a veteran NBA assistant coach and personnel executive, moved upstairs last November when the Warriors abruptly fired Pete D'Alessandro, Mullin's longtime right-hand man. Mullin quickly retreated from public view, refusing most interview requests and rarely showing his face to reporters or fans at Oracle Arena.
- With AP
