Cavaliers weigh decision on Davis

Associated Press

INDEPENDENCE

Baron Davis remains one of Cleveland’s starting guards. That could change at any time.

On Friday, Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant said Davis has reported for training camp, and that the club has not made a decision on whether to waive the veteran by using the NBA’s new “amnesty clause.”

However, Cavs coach Byron Scott may have hinted that Davis’ days are numbered when he was asked if the former All-Star could be a mentor to rookie Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 overall draft pick.

“To be honest with you, you know who the best mentor for Kyrie is? You’re looking at him,” said Scott, who is beginning his second season with Cleveland. “You’re looking at him.

“I’ve had this situation with Chris Paul [in New Orleans] as well. I don’t want to sound cocky, but you’re looking at him. I’m the best.”

The Cavs are trying to decide if it makes more sense to move forward with or without the 32-year-old Davis, who was acquired in a trade last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Cavs have contemplated using the “amnesty clause” in the new labor agreement that allow teams to cut and pay players while also getting salary-cap and luxury-tax relief. The team could pay Davis the roughly $28 million he is owed for the next two seasons and let him leave as a free agent.

They could also negotiate a buyout with him.

The team has had talks with Davis’ representatives. Grant was asked if Davis had requested his release.

“We are not going to get into any private negotiations or discussions that we have with our players or anyone else,” he said.

Davis and his teammates are expected to be available for interviews following an afternoon practice.

The most pressing concern for the Cavs is turning their offense over to Irving, the former Duke standout who turned pro after playing just 11 games last season because of a foot injury.