Sources told cleveland.com 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 general manager could end. This has not stopped the Cavs from attempting to improve a roster that has earned three consecutive trips to the NBA Finals.
A couple days ago, the National Basketball Association ticker was set ablaze by rumors of various trade scenarios, first involving Indiana Pacers forward Paul George, then Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler. Though, it does not appear that Cleveland has enough assets to add either All-Star player.
It started with the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring the No. 1 pick in Thursday's draft from Boston, virtually ensuring presumptive choice Markelle Fultz a debilitating injury. According to the aforementioned report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Love simply isn't drawing enough interest in potential trades. There has been talk of Lakers planning a super team headed by James and Paul George after getting rid of Timofey Mozgov and Brook Lopez's contract set to expire.
All through those six years as an executive board member for the Golden State Warriors, the 79-year-old stayed in his Bel Air home and made the short flight up the coast when those times came for in-person visits. He took over the role on a full-time basis after serving as an interim GM for three months following Chris Grant's firing.
With James's future at the Cavaliers uncertain, an option to opt out of his deal after next season, there are concerns that an exodus may take place at Cleveland.
But Irving will be just 26 next year and under contract for another season.
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Billups is also a close, personal friend of Cavs coach Tyronn Lue.
However, Griffin is gone.
And what they have happens be one of the most underrated front offices in the entire league.
Pluto says Gilbert has a rocky history with his general managers since he bought the team in 2005. That hands-on approach may have upset others, but Griffin seemed to find the right balance with his boss.
Very few teams would be willing to give up valuable assets for (presumably) one year's rental of George, but Cleveland might qualify. Those positions are now filled. The learning curve would be steep in Denver, and Billups would have constantly been battling the "Yeah, but you're from here", retort from possible free agents.
Still, there was hope Gilbert and Griffin could work out a deal, and the two met last week to discuss this past season and future plans.
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