Report: Don Nelson 'Couldn't Be More Pleased' With Golden State Ouster

Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com reports that longtime Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson is embracing retirement with open arms.

Don Nelson's agent said the long-time coach is doing just fine, and if all things go well, Nellie will be enjoying the Maui sunset Saturday evening. 

"Don couldn't be more pleased," said his John O'Connor, Nelson's long-time agent and confidant. "He has nothing but good things to say about (incoming owner) Joe (Lacob) and (outgoing owner) Chris (Cohan). The process was handled very well."

Report: New Warriors Coach Keith Smart Assembles Staff

Marc Spears of Yahoo! has reported on Twitter that new Golden State Warriors coach Keith Smart has already assembled his coaching staff.

Smart will take over head coaching duties from former coach Don Nelson, who is being shown the door.

Report: Golden State Warriors Coach Don Nelson 'Will Technically Resign'

Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson will "technically resign" and keep his salary for next season.

CSNBayArea.com and the Contra Costa Times newspaper reported that Nelson will technically resign, but sources close to the situation said Nelson was hoping to be enthusiastically received this week after returning to Oakland from his offseason home in Maui.

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The final season remaining on Nelson's contract is valued at $6 million. Sources said Nelson, as per the terms of his contract, will receive his full salary.

Don Nelson And Golden State On Verge of Parting

Marc Stein of ESPN reports that Nelson's assistant would take over coaching duties for the franchise.

Sources with knowledge of the Warriors' thinking told ESPN.com that the club's new owners, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, have decided to part company with Don Nelson -- who late last season became the winningest coach in league history -- and replace him with assistant Keith Smart.

The move is scheduled to be finalized by the end of the week, sources said, with Smart taking charge of the team in time for media day Monday and the team's first practice of the season Tuesday.

Nelson had one year remaining on his contract at $6 million. Sources said Nelson, as per the terms of his contract, will receive his full salary.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports that the split between management and coach was amiable, and that Smart's status beyond this season remains uncertain.

New Warriors owner Joe Lacob was determined to replace Nelson as coach, and Nelson, sources said, was glad to take his money and return to retirement in Hawaii.

Smart is working on a contract with the Warriors, and it’s still being negotiated whether he’ll be given a deal guaranteed beyond the 2010-11 season, a source said.