The Philadelphia 76ers plan to meet this week with Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey as the organization continues its search for a new head of basketball operations, multiple reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer indicate.
Gansey, who took over as Cleveland’s GM in 2022, is one of several candidates expected to sit down with former Warriors architect Bob Myers. Myers has been retained by Sixers ownership to steer the hiring process following the dismissal of former president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.
Other external contenders include Minnesota Timberwolves executive Matt Lloyd and Phoenix Mercury executive Nick U’Ren, according to Fischer. League insiders told both outlets that Gansey and Lloyd are widely viewed as rising talents positioned to run NBA front offices in the near future.
Gansey’s Rising Profile
The 41-year-old Gansey has drawn praise for helping engineer the Cavaliers’ return to prominence. Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference finals this spring for the first time since 2018, a run that has boosted Gansey’s reputation around the league. He joined the Cavaliers’ front office in 2017 after leading the organization’s G League affiliate.
Additional Names Linked to Philadelphia
Philadelphia has also requested or expressed interest in several veteran executives, including Washington Wizards executive Travis Schlenk, Los Angeles Clippers general manager Trent Redden—who previously worked alongside Gansey in Cleveland—and Oklahoma City Thunder executive Vince Rozman.
The Sixers have not received permission from the Atlanta Hawks to interview GM Onsi Saleh, sources told Fischer. Meanwhile, longtime executive Neil Olshey is no longer pursuing the vacancy despite earlier speculation.
Internal Option Remains
Within the organization, assistant general manager Jameer Nelson continues to garner support and is viewed as a serious internal candidate, league sources said.
Whoever is ultimately hired is expected to manage day-to-day basketball operations, while Myers would retain an advisory role on major franchise decisions, according to the reports.
No timetable has been announced for a final decision.
Source: Hoops Wire
