CLEVELAND — Danny Ferry resigned as Cleveland’s general manager after five seasons Friday.
His departure came two weeks after owner Dan Gilbert fired coach Mike Brown following the Cavaliers’ second-round loss to the Celtics in the playoffs. It also came as the team is making plans to try to bring back two-time MVP LeBron James, who headlines an all-star free-agent class.
Ferry, whose contract was set to expire June 30, decided to leave after talks with Gilbert revealed they had differing ideas on the Cavaliers’ direction.
“It’s the right time to move on,” Ferry said.
Assistant GM Chris Grant will replace Ferry.
Gilbert said the organization has been in touch with James and he remains confident the Cavaliers can re-sign the superstar, who has spent seven seasons with Cleveland.
Footnotes.
The Hornets began contract talks with Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams about their head coaching job.
• Ricky Rubio is promising NBA fans they will get to see his razzle-dazzle, but not before the 2011-12 season — and not necessarily with the Timberwolves, who took the Spanish guard with the fifth pick in last year’s draft.
• The opener of the Cel- tics-Lakers NBA Finals on Thursday night on ABC earned a 10.4 overnight rating, up 17 percent from the 8.9 for last year’s Magic- Lakers series.
