Warkentien Talks to Suns About GM Job

DENVER -- Denver's Mark Warkentien, the 2008-09 NBA Executive of the Year, is in the running for the Phoenix general manager job.

A source told FanHouse that Warkentien, the Nuggets vice president of basketball operations, was granted permission to speak with the Suns, and he talked this week on the phone to Phoenix owner Robert Sarver.

The source said Warkentien's preference is to remain with the Nuggets after his contract expires Aug. 31. But no deal has been reached on a contract extension, and Warkentien wanted to speak to the Suns.

The source said no formal interview has been set up by Phoenix with Warkentien, and it's believed the Suns are going to take their time in searching for a replacement for Steve Kerr, who will not return when his contract expires Wednesday. The source said San Antonio assistant general manager David Lindsey already has interviewed with Sarver, but that it could be a month or so before the job is filled.

Also not returning to the Suns after his contract expires Wednesday is vice president of basketball operations David Griffin. That leaves Sarver and coach Alvin Gentry to handle the free agency period. The two will be in Los Angeles on Tuesday to deliver a final exclusive pitch to star Phoenix forward Amar'e Stoudemire, who is likely to opt out of his contract and become a free agent Thursday.

Among other general manager jobs open or possibly available: Portland president Larry Miller has said Warkentien won't be considered for the Trail Blazers; Warkentien does not now appear to be a candidate in New Jersey; and the Clippers appear to be sticking with Neil Olshey, who replaced the fired Mike Dunleavy last March.

But Warkentien's preference is to remain with the Nuggets. And that might happen.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com or on Twitter @christomasson

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/06/28/warkentien-talks-to-suns-about-gm-job/