Purvis was named in the Silver Ferns squad yesterday but has been linked to a move to Auckland as the Steel has other contracting priorities.
Purvis, who has played 52 games for the Steel since making her debut in 2012, began the season as a starter but injury and illness enabled Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit to slip ahead of her, while fellow defender Jane Watson was one of the Steel's standout players.
Both players were contracted ahead of Purvis for next season's New Zealand elite league.
Steel chief executive Lana Winders has seemingly accepted the fact Purvis will move on.
''It is our understanding that Storm has been in discussions with other franchises as well,'' she said. ''We can completely understand where Storm is coming from. I think it is very smart of her to consider what is best for her career.''
Winders said among all the changes next year, teams were only able to contract 10 players as opposed to the 12 players they were able to contract for the ANZ Championship.
''It has made for a dynamic recruitment process ... and I think it is high on the mind of every player what is best for their career going forward in terms of securing that starting position.''
