The Denver Post

Billups still undecided on joining Cavs’ front office

- By Tom Withers

cleveland» Chauncey Billups isn’t sure if it’s time to jump back into the NBA.

Nearly a week after first meeting with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, former Nuggets star Billups has not yet decided whether to join Cleveland’s front office, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.

Billups is weighing several factors and remains unsure if he wants to lead the Cavaliers’ basketball operations, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.

Billups met twice last week with Gilbert, who is also looking for a new general manager after parting ways with David Griffin. The sides were unable to negotiate a contract extension following Cleveland’s third straight trip to the Finals. The person says there’s no timetable on a decision.

A five-time all-star, Billups, who has no executive experience, would have to uproot his family in Denver to take the job. He also has to consider other factors, including the possibilit­y that LeBron James could leave as a free agent after next season.

Former University of Colorado AllAmerica­n Billups has known Gilbert for years, but he may be hesitant to work for a passionate-but-demanding owner who has had four GMs in 12 years and couldn’t work things out with Griffin despite an unpreceden­ted string of success.

Billups is believed to be the only candidate so far to meet with Gilbert.

There are other issues for Billups to contemplat­e, and while he makes up his mind, the Cavaliers are trying to upgrade their roster through trades and impending free agency.

The Cavs were unable to strike a deal before last week’s draft, but the club’s front office, being led by assistant general manager Koby Altman, was active on several deals that didn’t get finalized.

Cleveland has considered moving allstar forward Kevin Love in the past and his name was again tied to possible trades, including one for Indiana all-star Paul George, who recently informed the Pacers he will not re-sign after the 2018 season.

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