NBA roundup: Cavs ink Brown to five-year deal
Mike Brown is back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but his second tour brings a whole new set of roster challenges.
Brown, who earned almost $5 million from the Los Angeles Lakers after he was fired five games into the 2012-13 season, was fired by the Cavaliers three years ago. He returns to coach a very young team, led by point guard Kyrie Irving, after leaning on LeBron James through his first stint with the franchise.
Brown's contract is reportedly worth $25 million over five years. It will be primarily the responsibility of general manager Chris Grant to add talent around Irving. Speculation could heighten that James might consider a return to Cleveland next summer, when an option in his contract gives James the ability to enter free agency.
--- Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Grizzlies player to win the award
Gasol, 28, beat out Miami's LeBron James and Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka for the honor.
--- The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, will host the 2013 NBA Draft, which will be held on June 27.
The draft had been held at Madison Square Garden for 10 straight years starting in 2001. The NBA moved the draft to the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
