AP Source: Cavs interested in Brandon Roy
Brandon Roy wants to make a comeback, and the Cavaliers may give him a chance to do it with them.
The Cavs are interested in the former Portland Trail Blazers star, who abruptly retired before last season because of chronic knee pain. A person familiar with Cleveland's interest told the Associated Press on Tuesday that the Cavaliers have not spoken to the 27-year-old or set up a visit with him. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the sides are only in preliminary discussions.
A three-time All-Star, Roy spent five seasons with the Trail Blazers and blossomed into one of the NBA's rising young stars. He announced his retirement in December, surprising his teammates and Portland's front office.
After sitting out the lockout-condensed season, Roy wants to try and resume his once promising pro career and there are several teams other than the Cavs interested in seeing if he can still play.
According to a person familiar with the situation, Roy met earlier this week with the Golden State Warriors. The club is hoping to meet with him again.
The Cavs, who are approximately $20 million under the salary cap, will undoubtedly give Roy a thorough medical checkup before deciding whether to sign him.
Roy averaged 19 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 321 career games. He played in pain during his final two seasons in Portland, and has said he lacks cartilage in both knees.
He was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2006 draft by Minnesota, which traded him to the Blazers.
In other Cavs news, the team won't have to match any offers for free agent center Semih Erden, who has signed a two-year contract to play in his native Turkey. Erden averaged 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds last season. Cleveland made the 7-footer a qualifying offer last week, making him a restricted free agent. The Cavs could have matched any offers made to Erden by NBA clubs.
Also, Cavs director of player personnel Wes Wilcox has left the team to become Atlanta's assistant general manager under Danny Ferry, who took over as the Hawks' GM last week.
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AP Sports Writer Antonio Gonzalez in Oakland, Calif., contributed to this report.