Cavs, Griffin split after three seasons
GM’s contract expires on June 30; Redden also leaving franchise
By Marla Ridenour
Akron Beacon Journal (TNS)
A shocking move by Cavaliers chairman Dan Gilbert on Monday night added more questions to an offseason of uncertainty as Gilbert announced he will not extend the contract of general manager David Griffin.
Griffin’s contract was set to expire on June 30. The architect of the 2016 NBA champions was expected back when the postseason ended on June 12, but the situation became more and more uncomfortable as days stretched on without a new deal.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Cavs spent Monday trying to organize a multi-team trade for the Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler. Multiple sites also reported that the Cavs were contacted by the Indiana Pacers about a possible deal for four-time All-Star Paul George.
The NBA draft is Thursday, when some of the rumored deals could be struck.
In a statement, Gilbert said, “On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Griff for his leadership and many contributions during his time here, including most recently, his role in the franchise’s first NBA Championship.
“We have no announcement at this time related to new leadership of the Cavaliers basketball operations group, but we are confident our current front office will continue to aggressively explore and pursue opportunities to improve our team in the weeks ahead.”
According to Cleveland.com, senior vice president of basketball operations Trent Redden is also out. His contract also expires on June 30.
Former Detroit Pistons star Chauncey Billups is interested in Griffin’s job, Cleveland.com reported.
Under Griffin, the Cavs went to their third consecutive NBA Finals this month before falling to the Golden State Warriors in five games. He was praised as a magician by coach Tyronn Lue, but the Cavs failed to make a commitment to Griffin while wrapping up others last summer, including giving Lue a five-year, $35 million extension.
The situation put Griffin’s name on candidate lists elsewhere this year, but Gilbert denied Griffin the chance to interview with other NBA teams.
The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks were among those that reportedly considered Griffin before moving on. The Magic hired the Milwaukee Bucks’ John Hammond on May 23 and the Hawks brought in Travis Schlenk, assistant GM of the Golden State Warriors the past five years, on May 25.
The Bucks remained Griffin’s last possible landing spot for 2017-18 until Friday, when the Bucks settled on their director of basketball operations Jon Horst.