One big question for every NBA team

Who is going to be the next General Manager in Cleveland?

The news coming out of Cleveland just keep getting weirder. First they let David Griffin go during trade negations for Jimmy Butler and Paul George. Those talks ultimately failed, although Griffin’s presence probably wouldn’t have made a difference in their outcome. In any case, the timing was poor and Dan Gilbert was unwilling to increase Griffin’s salary (which was low for a GM).

Multiple sources reported that Chauncey Billups was the lead candidate to replace Griffin and take on a higher title by becoming Cleveland’s president of basketball operations. Negotiations with Billups fell through last week, with money again being a big issue. According to reports from Marc Spears and Chris Haynes of ESPN the Cavs offered Billups even less than they were paying Griffin!

With LeBron’s free agency approaching in 2018, Cleveland’s front office turmoil is concerning to say the least. Gilbert did not consult LeBron about his decision to let go of Griffin and James expressed his dissatisfaction with the move on Twitter. On top of the franchise’s tense internal dynamics, buzz that LeBron might be willing to leave for Los Angeles next summer is constantly increasing.

The Cavs need to resolve their front office situation immediately. One of the best assets a franchise can have is an awesome GM. As of now, no other candidates have emerged as potential Griffin replacements. Finding the right person to make personnel decisions could be critical in retaining James next summer. We’re still a year away from a potential doomsday scenario, but if Dan Gilbert keeps alienating LeBron we might witness another departure from Cleveland.