Billups, Gilbert huddle again as rumors intensify
Chauncey Billups once competed against the Cleveland Cavaliers as a player. He could be joining them as an executive.
Billups met with team owner Dan Gilbert on Wednesday for the second day in a row to discuss a frontoffice position with the Cavaliers, who are regrouping after losing to Golden State in the NBA Finals.
Gilbert reportedly could be close to offering a job to Billups. Billups is the first person to meet with Gilbert since he parted ways with general manager David Griffin this week when talks about a possible contract extension broke down.
Billups was in Cleveland but as of 7 p.m. Wednesday there was no official agreement in place. The 40-yearold is likely weighing whether Cleveland is a good spot for him to begin a new career, given the team’s recent upheaval and that superstar LeBron James will be eligible for free agency after next season.
While the Cavaliers are looking for Griffin’s replacement after he guided them to three consecutive Finals, it’s believed that Billups would take on a different role, perhaps as the team’s director of basketball operations. Trent Redden, who served as the senior vice president of basketball operations, is also not returning next season.
Billups has no previous experience as an NBA executive, but he does have a long-standing relationship with Gilbert from their time together in Detroit and he knows the league well.
Lakers
Nick Young will be an unrestricted free agent this summer after declining his $5.66 million contract option for next season with Los Angeles. The team announced Young’s decision. Young has spent four tumultuous seasons in Los Angeles, averaging 13.1 points and 2.3 rebounds over 220 games.
WNBA
The WNBA is bringing back its 3-point contest to the All-Star Game. For the first time since 2009, the league will have a 3-point shootout during halftime of the game July 22 in Seattle. The event will showcase six players, who will be determined at a later date. The winner will receive a $10,000 donation to the charity of her choice.