Don Nelson Tells Warriors He'll Work for Free in 2011-12

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Warriors coach Don Nelson's got two more years remaining on his contract, and there are some skeptics who don't think he'll make it that long.

But Nelson, apparently, wants to be with the Warriors longer than that. And he says he's willing to do it for free.

Nelson said on Friday afternoon that he's made an offer to Warriors president Robert Rowell that he will work for free for the Warriors in 2011-12, in whatever capacity the Warriors decide, as a way of giving back to the organization he's worked for two different times during the course of his career.

"I told Bobby a week ago that after this contract is up, I would like to give the Warriors one more year," Nelson said. "It will cost the team nothing. Whatever they want me to do, for one more year, and not take a salary. Whatever it is. If it's coaching, I'd do that. Carrying bags, whatever. But I would give them one year at the end of this to say 'Thanks.' I appreciate that extension they gave me. They didn't have to do that."

Nelson and the Warriors were at odds last season over a contract extension, but Nelson eventually secured a two-year deal worth $12 million -- for this year and 2010-11.

Nelson, who needs 24 more wins to surpass Lenny Wilkens as the all-time winningest NBA coach, said he had been thinking this summer of making this kind of gesture.

"This is something I've wanted to do," Nelson said. "The league's been good to me. It's made me a wealthy man. As it turns out, I'm going to be here (Golden State) longer than any place else (either Milwaukee or Dallas)."

Nelson acknowledged that Rowell didn't respond whether or not he'd take the coach up on his offer.

"I think he was in shock," Nelson said. "He didn't speak. I don't think he's heard that one before."

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