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Chauncey Billups removes himself from Cleveland’s GM search

By Brenden Welper

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 09: NBA Commissioner David Stern and Chauncey Billups pose after Billups wins the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in honor of Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes before Game Two of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 9, 2013 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 09: NBA Commissioner David Stern and Chauncey Billups pose after Billups wins the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in honor of Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes before Game Two of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 9, 2013 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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News broke earlier today that Detroit Pistons’ legend Chauncey Billups has chosen to pass on the Cavaliers’ offer to join their front office.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, former Detroit Pistons great Chauncey Billups  has withdrawn himself as a candidate for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ front-office vacancy.

"“I have great respect for Dan Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and I greatly appreciate the discussions we had regarding their organization,” Billups told ESPN. “As I have conveyed before, ultimately I would like to lead a team’s basketball operation and be a part of a successful franchise. But presently, the timing just isn’t right to delve into that role in Cleveland. In the meantime, I will continue to focus on broadcasting and my other business endeavors.”"

The Eastern Conference juggernaut parted ways with general manager David Griffin back on June 19. He’d been a part of the club’s front office since 2010. However neither side could agree on an extension. With Griffin’s contract set to expire at the end on the month, Cleveland decided it was time to move on.

Billups’ name emerged as a potential replacement shortly after. He and Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert met in Detroit on June 21 to discuss the opening. But nothing ever materialized, and there was uncertainty surrounding the offer’s status until today.

The former point guard-turned-television analyst says he will remain at ESPN for now. Billups has frequently mentioned his desire to serve in the front-office for an NBA team. The Atlanta Hawks considered hiring him as their general manage back in May. But they instead chose Warriors’ executive Travis Schlenk.

Opportunities like these don’t come up often. Especially for someone like Billups.  He’s widely respected around the league, but has no front-office experience. Which makes his decision to turn it down even more intriguing.

Next: KCP's contract situation murkier than ever

Yet Billups is only 40 years old. If Cleveland and Atlanta gave him serious consideration, then there’s a chance somebody else will too.

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