Anderson Varejao is having as quiet a career year as an NBA player can have.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Varejao has turned into a tantilizing piece of trade bait.

The Quick Hit: For the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic, it’s all or nothing.

The all is having Commissioner David Stern hand over the Larry O’Brien trophy in two months and pronounce them world champions in a champagne soaked ceremony.

Only the all will do. Only the all will satisfy their demanding fan base. Only the all will satisfy their demanding owners, who have taken on multi-million dollar luxury tax payments for this precise moment.

While nothing, or falling short of an NBA Title, will force Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Orlando to make wholesale changes this off-season. Right or wrong, fair or not, these are the stakes when playing for a contender.

Dan Gilbert sent an email to David Stern, Adam Silver and several of his fellow owners to urge the NBA to block a proposed trade that would send Chris Paul to the Lakers.The following is the email in its entirety:

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Dan Gilbert took to Twitter to deny he helped derail collective bargaining agreement negotiations. "Some of these NBA 'bloggissists' flat-out make stuff up and then try to dupe readers into believing their fiction is real. Sad & pathetic," Gilbert wrote.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: At least Dan Gilbert didn’t write a venom-laced letter and publish it on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ website.

The always outspoken owner of the Cavaliers didn’t like reports he was responsible for the impasse between players and owners at Tuesday’s bargaining session.

So Gilbert responded, calling the speculation by bloggers ‘sad and pathetic’.

The loan tsar is ripe for criticism on many things, however, he’s not responsible for the breakdown in negotiations. The players were overly optimistic about finding a quick solution; the owners are determined to get a hard cap.

The league’s issues are far greater than Gilbert. He was just a convenient scapegoat for what happened on Tuesday..

--Oly Sandor

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

If you tell LeBron James that Cleveland was his city or the Cavaliers were his team, prepare for a quick correction.

The Akron native didn't wait for the end of a question Friday when a reporter referenced Cleveland as "your city." James' message was that he can't disown something that was never his. "It wasn't my city. It wasn't my team either," he said. "I was just a player, you know, I helped get that franchise to leaps and bounds that they haven't seen before.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This looks like LeBron James once again dumping on Cleveland and the Cavaliers.

We’ve seen this before from LeBron. He has an entourage that puts Vinnie Chase to shame and The Decision, last year’s TV event where he announced where he would sign as a free agent, revealed much about his character.

James is from Akron, Ohio. Akron and Cleveland aren’t the same. A a rivalry exists between the two. Cleveland never showed James much love as a prep phenom’.

Then there’s Dan Gilbert, the Cavaliers’ owner. The Decision was bad, but so was Gilbert’s response, publishing a letter that was unprofessional and personal.

Perhaps Gilbert’s ego exceeds LeBron’s. Perhaps working for the business mogul wasn’t a walk in the park/Quicken Loans Arena.

And James correctly points out that the Cavs' had several elite players before him: Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, and Mark Price.

So maybe Cleveland was never his city; the Cavaliers never his team. Fair enough. Maybe this wasn’t the match we thought.

Here’s the question: Can we move on?

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Dan Gilbert after his Cavaliers beat the Heat: 'Not in our garage!!'

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dan Gilbert would have to say something.

The owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers just couldn’t stay silent after last night’s 102-90 win over LeBron James, his former franchise face, and the Miami Heat.

Not after last summer’s shenanigans. Not after LeBron James announced he was taking his talent to South Beach with ‘The Decision’.

Of course, Gilbert did respond last July. His on-line letter to Cavalier fans attacking James is the thing of legends (and not in a good way).

This season, he’s been quiet –and with good reason. His Cavaliers have struggled mightily, flirting with the record for consecutive losses, while James’ Heat, despite some ups-and-downs, are at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Last night was Gilbert’s moment. It was Cleveland’s moment, too. His tweet, while subtle and restrained, hit the mark.

Hopefully, Gilbert and Cleveland got closure on James. Hopefully, they forget the past and focus on rebuilding. Something tells me otherwise, though.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The rumors about Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace coming to Cleveland died as quickly as they started. The Bobcats are indeed interested in moving Wallace's contract, but they wanted a first-round pick from the Cavaliers in return, according to a league source. That's not happening. The Cavs are trying to acquire first-round picks, not trade them away — and certainly not on a 10-year veteran like Wallace.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Nothing against Gerald Wallace but he wasn’t a fit for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After all, the Cavaliers need to tear this thing down and start over. This means one thing: fire sale. All veterans must be dealt for draft picks, expiring contracts, and blue-chip prospects.

Acquiring a veteran with a contract – Wallace is owed $22 million over the next two years – is wrong. It’s a distraction. It’s a quick fix. And Cleveland would be making a move for the sake of making a move.

Instead, owner Dan Gilbert needs one thing: patience. This means holding off on typing a Net-letter to fans when things turn out poorly. This also means trusting the people he hired, bottoming out, and building for the future -exactly like Executive Sam Presti did with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Quick fixes like Wallace and his big ticket aren’t the long-term answer.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Charlotte Bobcats have discussed a trade to send forward Gerald Wallace to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a league source told Yahoo! Sports.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Cleveland Cavaliers must do something. And fast.

Earlier in the week, Team Dan Gilbert was routed by the world champion Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, routed doesn’t do the score justice: the Cavs’ scored 57 points, while the purple-and-gold had 112.

It’s time for change. After all, this is the NBA. Pro basketball teams aren’t supposed to double each other.

Is Charlotte’s Gerald Wallace the answer, though?

Sure, the swingman defends, hustles, and stuffs the stat sheet, but he also carries a big ticket – Wallace has two more years at $22 million on his contract – and isn’t a superstar.

This, however, may be a deal driven by both ownership groups.

Michael Jordan, the new Don of the Bobcats, needs to shed payroll until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement can be ironed out. Sending Wallace to Ohio will cut costs and appease owner Dan Gilbert, who’s Cavaliers haven’t done anything significant since losing LeBron James.

So this trade may be about the men in control of the Bobcats and Cavaliers: Jordan and Gilbert. And not the basketball court.

--Oly Sandor?

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

But they might be able to acquire “LeBron Lite.”

League sources indicate the Philadelphia 76ers are attempting to trade guard/forward Andre Iguodala. There is no active dialogue between the Sixers and Cavs right now, but a source said it was one to keep your eye on. Things could heat up toward the trade deadline.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Something has to give –and soon.

The Philadelphia 76ers are 5-16. They’re disjointed. They’re dysfunctional. And fans are tuning them out for the city’s other sports teams.

It’s time to start over; turn the page. This means one thing: trading former franchise face Andre Iguodala.

While not a superstar, ‘Iggy’ is good enough to command a package of young talent and desirable contracts. The 76ers would be out from his big-ticket. Player and team would be free to start over.

Enter the Cleveland Cavaliers.

They have the resources to afford Iguodala’s contract. They also have the resources to satisfy the 76ers’ trade demands.

The athletic swing would make the Cavaliers more competitive. He’d also give Dan Gilbert’s squad an identity and a leader in the post-LeBron James era.

Expect Iguodala to get a change of scenery. And Cleveland makes the most sense.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Of course, he has no regrets over declaring viral jihad on LeBron James. 

Dan Gilbert is an Alpha Male. That’s how he built his lending business. That’s how he bought the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Gilbert doesn’t tolerate losing. Not in the boardroom. Not on the basketball court. So James announcing he was ‘taking his talents to South Beach’ had to sting.

After all, the Cavaliers instantly became a lottery team. The franchise’s value dropped dramatically. Cleveland and the state of Ohio were also treated like a losing contestant on a reality television show.

Simply put, filthy rich guys like Gilbert aren’t used to getting treated this way. They aren’t used to getting embarrassed. This prompted Gilbert to publish The Letter, attacking James for The Decision.

He won’t apologize. Or even admit to being over the top. When Gilbert attacks, there's no retreat.

Such a concession would go against who he is.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Don't think for one min that I haven't been taking mental notes of everyone taking shots at me this summer. And I mean everyone!

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: LeBron James is taking notes, keeping score, and wants revenge on those who spoke out against ‘The Decision’ to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

Please. ‘The Backlash’ to ‘The Decision’ was avoidable.

Suppose James dispensed with the dog and pony show known as free agent wooing, privately broke up with Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, and signed with the Miami Heat on July 1st.

Suppose he held a presser in South Beach, where he respectfully explained his choice to join the Heat and not re-sign with the Cavaliers. Suppose he thanked Cleveland, Akron, and Ohio.

Of course, there’d be some backlash. There’d be some talk of his diminished legacy. There’d be some talk of his shortcomings as a player. And there’d be some talk of him turning his back on the state that raised him.

Life would eventually go on, though. And the backlash wouldn’t become ‘The Backlash’.

By going on ESPN, by hiring Jim Gray, by playing with the hearts and minds of Cavalier fans, James instigated and asked for the criticism. 

‘The Decision’ created ‘The Backlash’. The sooner James realizes this, the better off we’ll all be.

--Oly Sandor.

 Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"Jay never expected LeBron to sign with the Nets. He knew that no 25-year-old kid with James' profile was going to spend years in Newark," the source tells Gatecrasher. "But he's ... at least disappointed, that LeBron didn't consult with him." Still, our source says, "I don't think it's going to affect their friendship."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The trail of jilted suitors grows.

Apparently, the 'Greatest Rapper of All Time' and 'The King' are at odds because New Jersey Nets minority owner Jay-Z felt friend LeBron James should have talked with him during free agency.

Jay-Z wasn't expecting to sign James, but did expect a phone call.

Of course, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and the state of Ohio didn't receive this courtesy, so why would Jay-Z?

Unlike Gilbert, Jay-Z isn't expected to release a scathing letter via the Nets' website. Would he, however, take a subtle dig or two at James on his next single?

Probably not, but getting Jay-Z's official side of the story would be interesting.

--Got thoughts?

Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They are the villains. No doubt about it.

Naturally, wrestling fans are comparing the Miami Heat’s Three Kings of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, or Dwyane Wade to WWE’s New World Order of Scott Hall, Hulk Hogan, and Kevin Nash. 

In fact, in this video, James/Hogan is body slamming the Cleveland Cavaliers mascot, former teammate Delonte West, and former owner turned foe Dan Gilbert.

Of course, Commissioner David Stern assumes the role of corrupt referee, which NBA fans - especially supporters of the Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings - will find slightly ironic.

Watch the video below and get at us with thoughts on the Three Kings/NWO.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Cavaliers have been in contact with free-agents Matt Barnes and Brad Miller, according to league sources. Brian Windhorst writes that Cleveland would have been interested in signing Miller even if LeBron James had re-signed.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: How exactly does Matt Barnes and Brad Miller fit owner Dan Gilbert’s caps-locked and bolded text declaration that his Cleveland Cavaliers would win a championship before the ‘self declared king’ LeBron James?

No offence to any of the parties involved. This won’t work.

Barnes and Miller are established veterans. They need to join a contender on the verge of a championship.

While Gilbert needs to take a deep breath, exhale, and not react to ames doing his organization, fans, and state of Ohio dirty. And reacting is exactly what the outspoken owner would be doing if he signed Barnes and/or Miller.

The billionaire must realize established superstars won’t sign with the Cavaliers. The crème de la crème of NBA talent want palm trees in January, not snow. And they want a sexy city, not Cleveland.

This, of course, is sad. Ohio is a sports-mad state. Cleveland is a sports-mad city. Gilbert – despite his recent outburst – will spend his own money to win. Byron Scott is a talented, established coach.

Fair or unfair, right or wrong, there’s currently an unkind view of Cleveland.

Gilbert should do himself a favour by empowering an executive to repeat the Oklahoma City Thunder model, where the team builds through creating cap flexibility and drafting well.

Or, perhaps he should open his own team`s history books for a better example.

For instance, in the early to mid-nineties, Cleveland used the draft to craft an excellent young team. They picked star center Brad Daugherty and shooting guard Ron Harper, and swapped Kevin Johnson, their seventh selection in the 1986 draft, for small forward Larry Nance.

So Gilbert needs to be patient and take the slow, steady route and not react. This means passing on Barnes and Miller.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.  

 

Dwyane Wade isn't ready to buy into all the hype about the Heat, who added LeBron James and Chris Bosh last week.

Wade says the Lakers, who have won the NBA's last two championships, are the team to beat.

The Lakers are the champions and we know the Lakers are very good," Wade said Wednesday. "That's the team that everyone's shooting for and they should be. Not the Miami Heat. The Los Angeles Lakers."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Call: You can’t fault Dwyane Wade for trying.

In fact, you have to admire the superstar’s failed attempts at running a little smokescreen interference and deferring public enemy number one status to the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Yes, the purple-and-gold is still the team to beat. After all, to be the champs, you have to beat the champs.

No, the Miami Heat – with the controversial way The Big Three of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade were assembled - is the team everyone will be shooting for.

No doubt about it.

Everyone - your granny, pastor, milkman, and even dog - has an opinion on The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010, culminating in LeBron James breaking up with Dan Gilbert, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and state of Ohio on national television.

Very quickly, the Heat has become the NBA’s undisputed villain in a plot that’s part Shakespeare, part Vince McMahon WWE. 

If Wade thought the attention was bad in 2007 following their NBA Title win, then he hasn’t seen anything yet.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

Zyrdunas Ilgauskas is following LeBron James to the Miami Heat.

The veteran center, who started playing for Cleveland in 1997 and has never suited up for another NBA team, expects to sign a two-year contract with the Heat later this week, agent Herb Rudoy said Tuesday. The two-year deal would come with a player option for the second season, Rudoy said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Today, the Miami Heat added an additional piece around The Big Three of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, signing long-time Cleveland Cavaliers centre Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

(No word on whether Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert will write a letter about Ilgauskas swapping the cold of Ohio for the sun of Florida.) 

This move makes sense for a few reasons:

1) Ilgauskas can still play. He’s massive. He’s skilled. And he can take opposing fives out on the perimeter with his range.

2) With a true centre like ‘Big Z’, Bosh will get significant minutes at the four-spot, his natural position. This will surely please ‘CB4’, who doesn’t want to battle the beasts of the Eastern Conference.

3) Ilgauskas has chemistry with James on-and-off-court. The veteran Euro will help ease the transition to Miami for his younger friend, especially with all the hoopla surrounding his free agency.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Yes, this is an attention grab by Rev. Jackson. He heard about ESPN’s impressive ratings for “The Decision” and, like a mafia don, wants to wet his beak. Why let Jim Gray and ESPN executives have all the fun exploiting LeBron’s naivete?

There’s enough of LeBron’s carcass for Jesse to feast, too. And Gilbert’s childish letter to Cavaliers fans in the wake of LeBron’s departure gave Jackson the opening he needed to break out his knives and forks.

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``Jesse Jackson criticized Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert on Sunday, saying Gilbert sees LeBron James as a "runaway slave" and that the owner's comments after the free-agent forward decided to join the Miami Heat put the player in danger.``

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Got thoughts? Get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Cavaliers are considering making an offer to Josh Childress, according to sources. Childress has until July 15th to opt out of his contract with Olympiakos.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Words can’t describe it.

Dan Gilbert, the Cleveland Cavaliers owner, has declared war on LeBron James, his former franchise face and superstar.

HoopsVibe News would like to humbly point out that Gilbert, not us, is responsible for the whacky font, use of caps-lock, and bolded section.

Yes, this is crazy, especially when considering it’s by an NBA owner. So read Gilbert’s letter to LeBron and get at us in the comment box below.

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....



Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers .

He has gotten a free pass," Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. "People have covered up for [James] for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is."

"He quit," Gilbert said. "Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar."

"It's not about him leaving," Gilbert said. "It's the disrespect. It's time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions. Is this the way you raise your children? I've been holding this all in for a long time."

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: I’m certain Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert will be receiving a phone call from Commissioner David Stern telling him to cool it.

Sure, LeBron James showed zero class by announcing he was leaving Cleveland for Miami on national television, embarrassing an owner, organization, city, and, state that has showered him with adulation and love for seven years.

And sure, James mailed it in against the Boston Celtics in the 2010 playoffs and was pretty mediocre against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.

So Gilbert has a point, a very good one, in fact.

However, owners don’t do this. Owners don’t act like jilted lovers when things don’t go their way. Owners don’t write nasty letters to fans, essentially hexing the face of the league –even if it’s totally justified.

Owners are supposed to model professionalism for fans, players, front office staff and, heck, even the guy pouring pints at Quicken Loans Arena.

By doing this, by stooping to James and Maverick Carter’s level of nonsense, Gilbert has made it harder to attract a star(s) to replace The King.

After all, players talk. And James and his posse will put out the word to the fraternity of ballers that Gilbert is a micromanager, tyrant, and jerk.

This may or may not be true. The NBA is like life, though. Perception is reality. And the gossip will overshadow Gilbert’s desire to win championships and his willingness to write multi-million dollar luxury tax cheques to achieve this end.

Right now, Gilbert, an Alpha Male billionaire, must do something out of character. He must turn the other cheek. He must take the high road.

If he can’t stay somewhat silent, if he can’t stay mum, then the businessman must immediately tone down the rhetoric and describe his frustration in a more appropriate and reasonable manner.

Gilbert is right: the people of Cleveland and Ohio deserved far better from James. Those same people also deserve far better from Gilbert, too.

-- Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Byron Scott has reached agreement on a three-year contract to become the Cleveland Cavaliers’ new coach, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The deal is expected to be finalized on Thursday.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It's a big announcement, but not the one Cleveland Cavalier fans were hoping for.

Word is Cleveland owner and de facto GM Dan Gilbert will introduce Byron Scott as his bench-boss today, and the former sharpshooter is apparently excited to coach the Cavaliers -even if you-know-who, LeBron James, doesn't re-sign.

And perhaps he's right.

With James, Scott has a ready-built contender on his hand. Without him, Scott can take his time to reshape the roster -like he did with the New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets.

Either way, in Gilbert, Scott has the rare owner willing to spend to compete. This is what drew him to the job.

Now Scott must wait to see how the situation unfolds in Cleveland.

Got thoughts? Get at O.Sandor and HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Tom Izzo insisted recently that he has no interest in coaching in the NBA until he wins at least one more NCAA title at Michigan State.

But that stance might not stop the Cleveland Cavaliers from trying to hire Izzo as their next coach.

The Cavaliers -- fresh off dismissing coach Mike Brown and parting ways with general manager Danny Ferry -- have formally extended an offer to Izzo to replace Brown, sources confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard on Monday.

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HoopsVibe`s Quick Call ...  There`s no mistaking the obvious: owner Dan Gilbert is running the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Gilbert fired former Coach of the Year Mike Brown. Gilbert pushed GM Danny Ferry out the door. Gilbert is the one appeasing superstar free agent LeBron James. And Gilbert, because of his Spartan ties, is chasing Michigan State coach Tom Izzo

Izzo is a fine coach, but no tier-one free agent will sign, or re-sign, with the Cavaliers if they have an NCAA guy on the sideline -unless it`s Duke`s Mike Krzyzewski.  

And few college coaches have successfully transitioned to the pro game. For instance, John Calipari, Lon Kruger, Mike Montgomery, Rick Pitino, and Jerry Tarkanian all failed miserably in the NBA.

Gilbert should rethink Izzo. He should also rethink if he wants to run his NBA team without help.

Is Izzo right for the Cavaliers? Why? Why not?

With that in mind, league sources have indicated the Cavs have begun to consider taking some risks with their roster. That may even include seeing if a trade makes sense for one of the most popular players on the team.

According to multiple league sources, the Cavs are testing the trade value for point guard Mo Williams, among other players. It is part of what appears to be an effort to tweak the entire backcourt, as Delonte West is also on the trade block.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: When you choke for a second consecutive year in the playoffs, everything and everyone is fair game.

Mike Brown, a former Coach of the Year, is gone. GM Danny Ferry is looking for a new executive suite to call home. And Mo Williams – a talented, hot shooting, and popular point guard – could be next to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Williams’ fall within the organization is somewhat unexpected, though. His catch-and-shoot approach fits with LeBron James, a superstar who runs the offensive sets and likes handling the ball.

Unfortunately, Williams has a tendency to disappear in the playoffs and, because of his size and average quicks, he often struggles to defend opposing point guards.

For instance, Williams got lit up by the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose and the Boston Celtics’ Rajon Rondo in the playoffs.

Coincidentally, James recently mentioned as much in his recent interview with Larry King.

“You kind of forget about Rajon Rando. And that's exactly happened at times,” said the superstar. “You know, he kind of controls the whole ship that goes on in Boston. And they did a good job. I mean we're a really good team, but they were better than us in this year.” 

So, perhaps, owner Dan Gilbert is reacting, or possibly overreacting, to James’ comments about Rondo torching Williams. And perhaps, trading Williams would be another attempt to appease the two-time MVP and his people.

Desperate times do call for desperate measures. After all, with James’ pending free agency, the only person guaranteed to be in Cleveland next year is Gilbert.

Should the Cavaliers trade Williams? Is he to blame for their playoff failures?

Danny Ferry is out as general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, choosing not to re-sign his contract that was set to expire in June. The decision comes as a surprise but was made days ago, and complicates the most important offseason in team history.

Ferry's departure Friday after five seasons occurred two weeks after the club fired coach Mike Brown following the team's second-round loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. It also comes as the team is making plans to try to re-sign two-time MVP LeBron James, who will be a free agent next month.

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HoopsVibe's Quick Call: It's official. The inmate, LeBron James, is running the asylum -even if he has a foot out the free agent door.

Ferry's firing comes as a surprise because days ago reports indicated the retired forward and owner Dan Gilbert had essentially agreed on an extension.

Apparently, the stumbling block was authority. Ferry rightfully thought a GM needed control over basketball operations. He wasn't prepared to deal with Gilbert or James meddling in personnel decisions.

So he left.

Assistant GM Chris Grant will slide into the big chair in the executive suite. However, it remains to be seen how much authority Grant will have as the new GM.

Expect Gilbert to be very involved this summer. If James resigns, Gilbert and Grant will likely let the superstar pick the new coach and have a large say in all basketball related decisions.

This isn't the way to run a winning organization. For instance, Tim Duncan always defers to coach Gregg Popovich and executive R.C. Buford. The Los Angeles Lakers started winning when Kobe Bryant quit commenting to random fans outside of strip malls about swapping Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd and focused on basketball. And even the great Michael Jordan had little say in the happenings of the Chicago Bulls.

So Gilbert, who doesn't have James' name on a new deal, is taking a risk in re-structuring his entire organization to suit his free agent superstar.

Got thoughts on Ferry leaving the Cavaliers? Let us know in the comment box below.

Danny Ferry's contract expires in 30 days, but if it is his last month as the Cavaliers general manager, no one within the organization seems to be worrying about it.

Since last summer, Ferry has firmly declined to talk about his future in any setting. Owner Dan Gilbert has declined several interview requests on the matter.

The signs are there, however, that Ferry plans on staying and that Gilbert wants him back. It is possible one of the reasons for the silence is that the two sides are talking about a new contract.

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HoopsVibe's Call: Is Danny Ferry the guy? Is the former Duke sharpshooter the guy to convince superstar LeBron James to shun the bright lights of New York and beaches of Miami to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Well, Dan Gilbert apparently thinks so because reports indicate the Cleveland owner will soon give Ferry a new multi-year contract.

Ferry's record as GM is mixed. He's not gun shy and has made several blockbuster trades. Problem is, even with Gilbert's significant resources, he failed to find the right supporting cast for James to excel when it mattered the most in the playoffs.

For Ferry, it's a case of quantity over quality. And it's one more thing James must consider when July 1st hits.  

Can Ferry get James to stay in Cleveland? Why? Why not? Get at us in the comment box below.

James was a no-show at the Cavaliers' practice facility yesterday. His formal exit interview with president Danny Ferry has been postponed. And there already was an erroneous report Mike Brown was fired.

"The last two home playoff losses and the manner in which we lost these games does not come close to being anywhere near the high expectations all of us have of our organization. Our fans and supporters deserve more." 

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