With rumors that LeBron James may join the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, and both power forward Kevin Love and center Tristan Thompson subject to persistent trade rumors, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers may be headed for a breakup one year after winning their first NBA title. Now, point guard Kyrie Irving is also drawing interest from other teams.
According to Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio, outgoing Cavaliers general manager David Griffin received several calls inquiring about the possibility of a trade involving Irving. However, inquiries about Irving will take a backseat for a while, as the Cavs look for Griffin’s replacement.
The 25-year-old Irving still has three years remaining on his five-year, $90 million contract extension that he signed with the Cavs before the 2014-15 season.
With Irving under contract until 2020, Cavaliers fans expect him to become the face of the franchise if James bolts to the Lakers or if Love and Thompson are both traded. However, it looks like the Cavs are also open to parting ways with their No. 1 overall pick in 2011. Amico said Grifin was unwilling to move Irving, but team owner Dan Gilbert could have other plans moving forward.
Griffin on his way out as General Manager
Griffin is on his way out after the Cavs decided not to extend his current contract, which ends on June 30, 2017.
The Cavs thanked Griffin for his leadership and many contributions during his stint as GM, including his role in the franchise’s first NBA title. With Griffin on his way out, the Cavaliers may be looking to explore other opportunities to improve the team in the coming weeks. In a statement, Griffin said he is certain that the Cavs "will continue to push towards even greater heights."
When he assumed the GM role in 2014, Griffin helped establish the Cavs roster that defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals for the franchise’s first championship in 2016.
Sources said Griffin was elbow deep in arranging a trade for Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls before the Cavs decided to part ways with him.
Ex-NBA playmaker Chauncey Billups possible VP of basketball operations
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, former NBA point guard Chauncey Billups is being considered as the Cavaliers’ vice president for basketball operations. There is an immediate need to fill the position, as free agency begins in early July. Billups is known to be a close associate of Gilbert and has a relationship with coach Ty Lue.
