Danny Ferry resigns as GM of Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Ferry has resigned as general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, a surprise decision that complicates the most important offseason in team history.

Ferry's departure today after five seasons occurred two weeks after the club fired coach Mike Brown following the team's second-round loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs.

It also comes as the team is making plans to try to re-sign two-time MVP LeBron James, who will be a free agent next month.

Ferry was in the final month of his contract. He said the decision not to renew his contract was a mutual one with owner Dan Gilbert.

"I thought it was important that there was as much clarity as possible in the organization at this time, so things could start moving forward," Ferry told The Associated Press. "I appreciate all that Dan has done to build a world-class organization."