Cavs media day: David Griffin announces that Mo Williams has retired

It wouldn’t be the start to another season in Cleveland if there wasn’t some weirdness. Despite announcing recently via social media that he would return for a final season, it appears that Mo Williams will in-fact retire prior to the 2016-2017 season.

The decision was announced by David Griffin at media day:

This comes as a surprise, given Mo’s public announcement that he would return that occurred so recently. The decision also opens up a roster spot, leaving the Cavs with 13 guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts on the books.

The decision to retire leaves rookie Kay Felder and Jordan McRae as the sole backups to Kyrie Irving. It is unclear at this time whether or not the Cavs will pursue another ball handler to assist in play-making, or if they will choose to address that issue should the two young guards be unable to fill appropriately at that position.

This was of course William’s second stint with the Cavaliers. A fan favorite for most of his time with the team, it seemed fitting that he finally was able to win a championship with the Cavaliers in his final NBA season.