As if the Cavaliers needed more question marks surrounding the organization, general manager Danny Ferry has opted to part ways from the franchise. In what is being called a “mutual decision” between he and team owner Dan Gilbert, Ferry felt that the team would be better overall if he were to step aside.
Taking Ferry’s place will be assistant general manager Chris Grant. Grant has long been considered the 1A to Ferry, as he has been involved in many of the decisions that have been made throughout the organization for the past few seasons. In a conference call on Friday afternoon, Gilbert stated that Grant had been doing a lot of work on the current coaching availability and that the transition should be seamless.
“There is nothing [Chris] hasn’t been involved in,” said Gilbert.
Naturally, there is a lot of speculation surrounding Ferry’s departure. It was just weeks ago that he and Gilbert were reportedly hashing out a new contract and all signs were pointing towards an extension beyond 2010. However, reports of Ferry’s demands had also circulated, stating that Ferry was looking for full control of the team’s operations.
Upon Ferry’s hiring with the Cavaliers, head coach Mike Brown was already in place. And while this would have been an issue in most instances, the two parties had a past when both were a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization. Prior to Brown’s dismissal, there were reports of many inside the Cavaliers organization lobbying for Brown to be retained, Ferry included. If Ferry were to be a part of the Cavaliers going forward, he would want full control over whom the team would hire to fill their head coach vacancy – something to which Gilbert may not have been willing to agree.
Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer stated that Ferry’s retention would have made it very difficult, if not impossible, for John Calipari to be named coach of the team. It is believed that Dan Gilbert may (understandably) be willing to do whatever it takes to re-sign LeBron James and bring a championship to Cleveland, and Ferry may have not been willing to sacrifice as much.
“We will take the steps necessary this summer to reach that ultimate goal,” said Gilbert.
“After long, deep and friendly discussions, we mutually concluded that it was best to go in different directions.”
James’ representation had stated that he had no say in the firing of Mike Brown and he has stated that he did not have any say in the fate of Ferry. Gilbert has stated that the firing of Brown was his decision and that Ferry was “ultimately on board.”