Danny Ferry Resigns As Cleveland Cavs GM, Assistant GM Chris Grant Will Take Over

While Danny Ferry’s abrupt departure as the Cavs GM might draw immediate suspicion that the move had something to do with placating free-agent-to-be LeBron James, Cavs beat writer Brian Windhorst reports that that is not the case.

According to Windhorst, James actually liked Ferry, and the decision to party ways with Ferry was solely owner Dan Gilbert’s. Ferry reportedly wanted the same amount of power as Gilbert had given him in 2005 when they brought Ferry over from the Spurs front office -- something Gilbert was apparently unwilling to do now.

Ferry’s contract ran out at the end of this summer, but, per indomitable Cavs beat writer Brian Windhorst, Ferry had hoped to come to terms on a new contract with owner Dan Gilbert and remain with the team. Given that, Ferry’s description of his resignation as a “mutual decision” certainly seems suspect.

With the draft and free agency so close at hand, the Cavs likely couldn’t afford to wait to name a replacement, and Grant offers them to maintain some continuity between their front office and scouts. The larger question is who Grant will tap to be the team’s head coach, as they try to refashion the team to be as LeBron-friendly as possible.