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June 21, 2017

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Cavs part ways with GM Griffin as deal time nears

CLEVELAND Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert announced on Monday that David Griffin is out as general manager of the NBA club when his contract expires at the end of June.

The move came exactly one year after LeBron James led the Cavaliers to an NBA crown, the first by any major Cleveland sports team since 1964, and one week after the Cavs were dethroned by the Golden State Warriors in this year’s NBA Finals.

Gilbert said the decision for Griffin not to return was mutual. “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,” Gilbert said in a statement.

Team executives will need to work hard as the NBA Draft is tomorrow and a week from Saturday marks the start of free agency for next season.

Cleveland’s ouster in five games in the best-of-7 final showed just how far the Cavaliers must improve to match the Warriors, who added free agent star forward Kevin Durant after losing last year’s final.

Griffin and Gilbert reportedly did not agree on a future direction for the Cavs’ roster, which could be in major flux in the next few days based on several reports.

Indiana’s Paul George, who has told the Pacers he plans to leave when his contract expires after next season, reportedly has drawn interest from the Cavs.

And Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, who like George could serve in a forward or backcourt role depending on needs, is also being eyed by the Cavaliers, according to ESPN, which says both clubs are looking for a third team to facilitate a deal.

In either case, the Cavaliers would likely be looking at trading forward Kevin Love, who together with James and guard Kyrie Irving have sparked Cleveland the past three seasons.

Griffin became the Cavaliers’ general manager in February 2014 after Chris Grant was fired. The new general manager will be the fifth since Gilbert bought the club in 2005.




 

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