NBA Rumors: Mike Brown could return to coach Cleveland Cavaliers

A reunion between the Cavaliers and Mike Brown may be in the works, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. This may sound ridiculous, but it's a lot more plausible than you think.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers said goodbye to Byron Scott on Thursday, they could be welcoming back former coach Mike Brown.

With Scott out, there is mutual interest between Brown and the Cavaliers for a possible reunion, according to multiple league sources.

Much of it may depend on Brown, who has told those close to him that he is not sure he's ready to return to coaching after being let go by the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season. Brown, who has two years and more than $8 million left on his deal with the Lakers, has said he may take time off to be with his family.

The Cavs are expected to contact several possible candidates in the next few days.

With this being Windhorst, it's definitely legitimate. And having seen Chris Grant's press conference this afternoon, a lot of the qualities that he's looking for in a coach clearly fit Brown to a tee. Strong defensive scheme? Check. Proven success? Check. Grinder and a worker (whatever that means)? Sure, Brown always seemed like he worked hard at his job. Another thing to keep in mind is that Grant and Brown played together at the University of San Diego, so they do have a relationship beyond professionally.

Given Grant's comments about wanting a defensive guy that has had success, I'd also imagine that Scott Skiles, Nate McMillan (he has a defensive reputation despite being a ball-control, not defensive, coach), Avery Johnson, and of course Stan Van Gundy will be discussed in the front office, along with a few other assistant coaches.

We'll see what happens as the coaching search starts. Either way, I can't see a decision being made until at least the first round of playoffs is over, and probably longer than that, even though they want to move fast in this search. However, as it looks right now, Brown looks like he'll definitely play a big part in the search no matter what.