Now LeBron James get to choose his next coach and general manager if he so chooses to re-sign with the Cavaliers.
Danny Ferry is out as general manager of Cleveland and the club installed his assistant, Chris Grant as interim general manager. It’s unclear if Grant is permanent, with James’ free-agent choice the obvious determinant.
Ferry’s contract was expiring this month and he resigned stunningly after a five-season tour did not net a title with James. On the surface, it would seem James has more power than ever to shape his future.
Ferry’s departure occurred two weeks after the club fired coach Mike Brown following the team’s second-round loss to the Celtics. It also comes as the team is angling to re-sign James, who said Cleveland has “an edge” in the recruiting process.
Ferry’s vague departure will lead to speculation that James played a role. Ferry said the decision not to renew his contract was a mutual one with owner Dan Gilbert.
“I thought it was important that there was as much clarity as possible in the organization at this time, so things could start moving forward,” Ferry told the Associated Press. “I appreciate all that Dan has done to build a world-class organization.”
Ferry did not mention James by name. Nor did Brown in a statement on his way out the door.
Ferry’s move of trading for Antawn Jamison at the trade deadline backfired because it gave the Cavaliers no cap-room flexibility this summer to upgrade. The signing of Shaquille O’Neal was a mistake, too.
“It is the right time to move on,” Ferry said. “Chris is prepared to do a great job.”
Meanwhile, Nike rejected a report stating the company was considering issuing special shoes for each city he visits on his free-agent tour. Such a marketing ploy would be seen as crass, especially if James stays in Cleveland.
The report also stated James has it mapped out — that he would visit the Knicks and Nets first before going to Chicago. If it’s already been hammered out, that would be the worst form of tampering and the Knicks and Nets would be fined an enormous sum.