Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor promoted; team looking for replacement
Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor, one of the NBA's most respected GMs, is moving into a top executive position with the franchise and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey is finalizing a deal to replace him, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
O'Connor wants to move away from the day-to-day tasks of the GM job, but will still keep a strong hand in directing the organization, league sources said.
Lindsey is meeting with the Jazz on Monday and is nearing an agreement, league sources told Y! Sports. Cleveland Cavaliers assistant GM David Griffin had talked to Utah, but is no longer under consideration, sources said.
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Oklahoma City Thunder vice president and assistant GM Troy Weaver had been the No. 1 target for the search, but has decided to stay in Oklahoma City, sources said. The Philadelphia 76ers have shown strong interest in Weaver, but league sources said he's made it clear he plans to stay with the Thunder. Weaver previously worked under O'Connor in the Jazz front office before leaving for Oklahoma City.
O'Connor has been the Jazz's top basketball executive for 13 years and is considered one of the league's most astute talent evaluators. After Karl Malone and John Stockton retired, O'Connor was instrumental in reshaping the franchise into a contender through the draft and free agency. After coach Jerry Sloan's resignation and the trade of Deron Williams two years ago, O'Connor has rebuilt the Jazz with a talented young nucleus that includes Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward. Utah reached the playoffs last season before being swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.
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