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Sources: Cavaliers Offer President Of Basketball Ops Role To Chauncey Billups

Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert has offered ESPN NBA analyst Chauncey Billups a five-year contract to serve as the team's President of Basketball Operations, but Billups has "yet to accept," according to sources cited by Jason Lloyd of THE ATHLETIC. Sources said that the two spent all day yesterday at Quicken Loans Arena, where Billups was "introduced to a number of the executives who would be working under him." It was the "second consecutive day of meetings between Gilbert and Billups." If he accepts, Billups will "oversee operations despite having no prior front office experience" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/21). In Cleveland, Joe Vardon cites a source as saying that "no formal offer had been made" to Billups, and that Gilbert's "primary focus was on making trades" today in the time leading up to tonight's NBA Draft. However, other sources said that Billups was "indeed offered the position." Sources also noted that Billups was "meeting with powerbrokers in and around the organization during the Finals, when it was a known possibility that Griffin's tenure" as GM could end (CLEVELAND.com, 6/22). Vardon cites sources as saying that they "expect Billups to eventually take the job" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 6/22).

SOME HESITATION: ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst cites sources as saying that Billups is "conflicted about accepting." Sources said that in the structure being offered, Billups "would be able to hire" an experienced GM to "work with him." But sources added that Billups is "happy living with his family in Denver and commuting" to L.A. for ESPN TV work. Billups also "interviewed for a front-office position recently" with the Hawks (ESPN.com, 6/22). Windhorst said it is the Cavs that are "trying to sell themselves" to Billups and it is "not a slam dunk decision" that something gets done ("The Jump," ESPN, 6/21). USA TODAY's Sam Amick notes Billups is "very close friends with Cavs coach Ty Lue, and the challenge of being objectively critical is -- not surprisingly -- something to consider" (USATODAY.com, 6/22). In Detroit, Vince Ellis writes if Billups "accepts the job, the front-office novice will be seeking experienced help." A "name to watch" is former Pistons Assistant GM George David, who is "good friends with Billups" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/22).

GOOD OPPORTUNITY? ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said of Billups, "I don't think he should take it. ... Billups is going to be very, very good at his job and I’m told that the LeBron Jameses and the Kyrie Irvings of the world and others are more than willing to give him a chance, because they have profound respect for him. Chauncey is (Gilbert’s) guy. He loves Chauncey, but Gilbert also believes he knows the game of basketball and tries to infiltrate the proceedings." ESPN’s Max Kellerman said, “If Chauncey comes in, maybe his brand takes a hit if suddenly the team falls apart. But if on the other hand, Chauncey is like, ‘I'd just really like to get my hands on a team and show people what can I do,’ then this is a really interesting opportunity. You can tear it all down, collect a ton of young assets and in a couple years, be a really strong organization and get the credit as the guy who rebuilt the Cavs after LeBron left" ("First Take," ESPN, 6/22).

JUST BUSINESS: In Cleveland, Terry Pluto writes Gilbert and Cavs F LeBron James "had no interest in a personal relationship" in '14 when they met to talk about a return to the franchise. But James "knew Gilbert had the cash to build a contender." Just as important, Gilbert "had the desire to win." They "still have at best, a token relationship." Pluto: "James will only hold Griffin's leaving against Gilbert if the new GM fails to add talent" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 6/22). FS1's Chris Broussard said, "The only thing, what could get volatile, is if Dan Gilbert really wants to stop spending money, if he's tired of paying the luxury tax, if he feels like, 'I got my title.' ... That could get ugly. Then that could lead LeBron out the door, but it's not to that point yet" ("Speak For Yourself," FS1, 6/21).

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