Mike Brown has now been fired twice from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Owner Dan Gilbert said the first firing was a mistake, but the second one likely was not. The Cavaliers announced the move on Monday after the team once again failed to make the playoffs despite what they felt was a much upgraded roster. The move is just another line on the rebuilding resume for Cleveland which could start to play a factor in several star's futures.
The firing of Brown did not come cheap. The move is certainly not a shock considering the Cavaliers' record and the coach's clashing with stars like Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. However, Cleveland is stuck eating four years of guaranteed salary in order to bring in someone new. Brown had originally signed a five-year, $20 million deal despite Brown's poor handlings of LeBron James and now he has haunted the team again, for the last time.
On top of the Brown firing, Gilbert has finally named David Griffin the full-time general manager, just in time to start forming a list of free agents the team will likely pursue in hopes of bringing some success to the franchise. The firing of Brown was the first step and one that Irving supports, according to Sam Amico of FOX Sports. It had been rumored that Irving and Brown did not get a long and had clashed in the locker room causing unrest for the rest of the team. Considering Irving is the second biggest star in Cleveland outside of Johnny Manziel, his opinion goes a long ways.
The firing of Brown could help Cleveland retain Irving and convince him to sign a max contract. Of course the point guard wants to be with a team set to win, which so far is not Cleveland. However, the Cavaliers cannot afford to have another departure like James and are working to do everything possible to keep Irving. In order to do that, the team needs stability, something they have failed to create in Irving's tenure.
Irving will get offered a max contract come July 1. The Morning Journal predicts it could be to the tune of five years and $80 million. It was important that Cleveland do the firing and hiring now considering they are fully aware that Irving does not want to remain a Cavalier if the losing continues. If Irving declines the contract he will be traded along with other members of the roster.
ESPN reported last week that Cleveland attempted to trade off Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters in exchange for Kevin Love, a deal that never ended up happening. They will not hesitate to trade both stars again if the return is right. By the time the 2014 season rolls around, the Cavaliers could be an extremely different team.
