Warriors executive leaves Golden State for WNBA GM job

LAS VEGAS — After nearly a decade with the Warriors, Nick U’Ren is stepping away from the Bay to take a job as the Phoenix Mercury’s next general manager.

U’Ren, the Warriors executive director of basketball operations who suggested a crucial adjustment that swayed the 2015 NBA Finals in favor of Golden State, is set to start his new job in October at the end of the WNBA season. He’ll replace long-time general manager Jim Pitman, who plans to retire at the end of this season.

U’Ren, a Phoenix native, has spent the last nine seasons with the Warriors and steadily earned his way up the rankings. He worked closely with coach Steve Kerr as a special assistant to the head coach and director of coaching operations and also served as the manager of advanced scouting. U’Ren was only 28 when he famously proposed the Warriors start Andre Iguodala instead of Andrew Bogut, a move that eventually made all the difference for Golden State, who beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to win the organization’s first title in 40 years.

U’Ren was promoted to his current role with the Warriors ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Mike Dunleavy Jr., who succeeded Bob Myers as the Warriors general manager last month, worked closely with U’Ren over the years and was “really happy for him” to embark on the next step of his career.

“Super exciting opportunity, unique, but really cool,” Dunleavy said Monday after Warriors Summer League practice. “Nick’s from the Phoenix area so it’s a chance to go back to his roots, and it’s a great opportunity. I know Nick’s excited about it. We’re thrilled for him and really thank him for his nine years here which have been highly successful.”