Clippers add longtime Cavs exec Trent Redden as assistant GM

Longtime Cleveland Cavaliers executive Trent Redden will join the LA Clippers' front-office staff as assistant general manager, league sources said on Monday.

Redden was dismissed from the Cavaliers this spring along with lead executive David Griffin. Redden started his career as an intern with the Cavs 11 years ago and rose to senior vice president of basketball operations.

The Clippers continue to fortify their management ranks after stripping head coach Doc Rivers of his role as the organization's primary decision-maker in basketball personnel matters earlier this month. Oklahoma City Thunder executive Mike Winger will become the Clippers' general manager under Lawrence Frank, who will oversee basketball operations as executive vice president of basketball operations.

Redden worked with Winger in Cleveland, where he rose in the executive ranks as a well-regarded talent evaluator who worked under Danny Ferry, Chris Grant and Griffin. He will complement Winger, who has established a reputation as an expert strategist with a steady administrative hand and strong negotiating skills.

For years, the Clippers had among the thinnest staffs in the NBA under the thrifty ownership of Donald Sterling. Since the arrival of Steve Ballmer in 2014, the franchise has grown into a robust organization with a basketball operations department that has expanded exponentially in size. Sources say the team has plans to add another assistant general manager to its brain trust.