The Cleveland Cavaliers have garnered plenty of criticism this offseason following the resignation of former general manager David Griffin.
The Cavs reportedly low-balled Chauncey Billups, who was considered as a replacement for Griffin, during negotiations before promoting assistant GM Koby Altman.
But the criticism doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon after Jeff Zilligitt of USA Today reported that Cleveland was close to acquiring All-Star Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls on the same day as Griffin's departure.
"Further exacerbating James' frustration is the Cavs were close to making a deal for then-Chicago Bulls All-Star Jimmy Butler the day Gilbert decided to mutually part ways with Griffin and Redden, two people familiar with negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. They requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the negotiations," Zilligitt wrote on Tuesday.
Instead, the Bulls shipped Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves just a few days later on draft night, while the Cavs have only added Jose Calderon, Jeff Green and Cedi Osman this offseason.
That's likely to irk star small forward LeBron James who has already tweeted his support of Griffin and has been rumored to be exploring options elsewhere next offseason.
Griffin released a statement following his resignation claiming it was a "mutual agreement" with the organization.
