The Cleveland Cavaliers and Chauncey Billups have engaged in a chess match that should ultimately payoff for both sides.
ESPN’s Jeff Goodman has reported that Chauncey Billups, who the Cleveland Cavaliers are targeting to be their next president of basketball operations, counter-offered Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.
Per ESPN:
"“Chauncey Billups still in negotiations with Dan Gilbert & Cavs, source told ESPN. Counter-offered yesterday; now it’s in Dan Gilbert’s court.”"
Billups was being offered a five-year deal to be the leading man for the Cavs according to The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd. According to basketball insider Sam Amico, “the offer would increase the terms and money in Billups’ contract“.
Many Cavs fans may fret at the news, as the Cleveland Cavaliers have been operating without a general manager for nearly a week and a half. Gilbert and former general manager David Griffin parted ways due to philosophical differences regarding the handling and direction of the team, according to cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon.
However, the idea that Billups would counter-offer rather than outright decline the offer indicates he has interest in leading the team. That would fall in line with an article I recently wrote, in which I discuss Rip Hamilton, Billups’ former teammate, saying Billups was “very excited” to lead the Cavs and had a couple more meetings with Gilbert.
Despite national pundits speculating that the possibility LeBron James would leave the franchise would be a major factor in Billups’ decision-making, I couldn’t see the rationale because at 32-years-old and insistent on signing short-term deals with player options that allow him to maximize his earnings, James is (a) in the last stretch of his career and (b) always going to be a threat to leave the franchise. If James’ possible departure was that much of a factor, I find it unlikely Billups would take the initial meeting with the franchise.
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The idea that Billups was hesitant to uproot his family from their home in Denver, Colorado, is rational though. That’s also why it’s understandable why Billups would be asking for more money in the deal; it’s likely compensation for the costs (both financial and emotional) of relocating his family.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been ultra-aggressive this offseason while being led by point-contact Koby Altman, their assistant general manager. However, no deals have been completed to this point.
With the relationships Billups has with executives and players around the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers could have more success with completing a trade once he’s hired. Paul George should be the Cavs’ top trade target, with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reporting that George would be open to staying in Cleveland past this season if traded. Carmelo Anthony is also a possible target for the team.