While coaching search grinds on, Cavaliers trying to move back into NBA draft

Cavs trying to deal into NBA draft

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t currently have a coach, any draft picks or a clue if LeBron James is coming back.

But in this volatile summer, things are changing quickly.

The Cavs, who traded away their selections while chasing an NBA title, are trying to move back into Thursday’s draft through a trade. The team has purchased second-round picks in each of the past two years, and could be positioning to do it again.

Cleveland has discussed deals with several teams, even dangling guard Mo Williams to gauge his market value and see if there’s any interest. Williams has had two solid regular seasons with the Cavs, but he has been maddeningly inconsistent in the playoffs since joining Cleveland.

With trade rumors swirling, as they typically do before the draft, Williams pleaded on his Twitter account that he wants to stay with the Cavs.

“Please don’t trade me, I’m not ready to go,” Williams wrote. “I’m begging. My work ain’t done yet. I’m on both knees. I’m serious.”

It’s not known how serious the Cavs are to part ways with Williams, but owner Dan Gilbert has stated he would like to utilize the draft to improve Cleveland’s roster, which has lost some of its luster following the team’s second-round playoff loss to Boston.

The Cavs are believed to be interested in acquiring a late first-round pick or one in the second round. They traded their first-round choice to Washington in February in the deal for Antawn Jamison and sent their second-round selection to Phoenix last summer in the package for Shaquille O’Neal.

Gilbert would like to upgrade his roster before free agency opens on July 1, when James can consider offers from other teams. It’s unlikely the Cavs can pull off a blockbuster deal for a big-name player, but that doesn’t mean Gilbert — and new general manager Chris Grant — won’t try.

Another option for the Cavs is to trade guard Delonte West, who like Williams, was a major disappointment in the postseason. Although the team won’t admit it publicly, West’s legal and health issues were a distraction last season. West, who has acknowledged having a bipolar condition, will stand trial next month in Maryland on weapons charges.

And while they prepare for both the draft and James’ free agency, the Cavs’ coaching search remains in a holding pattern.

Cleveland has had talks with several candidates, including Byron Scott. But the former New Orleans coach is waiting to see what happens with Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers before he considers another job.

On Wednesday, Jackson said he is leaning toward retirement, but the 11-time NBA champion will wait until next week to make a final decision. The delay could effect the Cavs, who are believed to have had multiple conversations with Scott about replacing Mike Brown, fired after Cleveland’s second-round flop.

Scott’s dream has been to coach the Lakers, and he would be the favorite to succeed Jackson because of his ties to the team and strong relationships with superstar Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and owner Jerry Buss.

The Cavs have had second interviews with several other candidates, but none of them has a resume like Scott, who went to seven NBA finals as a player and coach. Last week, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo turned down a lucrative offer from Cleveland.