Did Rapper Ice Cube Correctly Predict Chauncey Billups Would Be Cleveland Cavaliers President?

Rapper, actor and basketball businessman Ice Cube may have a lot more knowledge about the inner workings of NBA teams than many might think.

Ice Cube, born O'Shea Jackson, founded the BIG3, a new venture that involves 3-on-3 half-court basketball with some famous former NBA players. Last week, Ice Cube suggested that player-coach Chauncey Billups was leaving the BIG 3 for a front office job with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Reports surfaced Tuesday that Ice Cube was apparently right, as Billups and the Cavaliers are apparently close to a deal.

Ice Cube spoke to TMZ the morning of June 21 about Billups leaving the BIG3 for the Cavaliers — a rumor that ESPN, USA Today and other outlets had reported but with Billups only considered a candidate.

"It was the Killer 3's (Billups' team) for a minute but since Chauncey took that job, it might change," Ice Cube said.

Ice Cube recanted his admission to TMZ the next day and said that Billups was still with the BIG3 until further notice.

"Right now he with us until I hear something different," Ice Cube said. "Yesterday I opened my big mouth and it wasn't done yet."

A source told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman Wednesday that Billups was in negotiations with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. Billups reportedly was offered a five-year deal.

Sources told NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski Sunday that Billups and the Cavaliers had started to talk. "Talks between Cleveland and Chauncey Billups for President of Basketball Ops job still ongoing, no immediate resolution expected," Wojnarowski said via Twitter.

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Sources told Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com on Thursday that Billups had met with Cavs executives during the NBA Finals when it was known that general manager David Griffin's time with the club was nearing an end. Billups is friends with Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue.

In an interview Wednesday morning, Fox Sports analyst Chris Broussard also hinted that Billups would take the position.

"Maybe Chauncey Billups, you better believe if Chauncey is going to take this job that he's doing what he can to make sure that things are in place when he gets there."

He added: "I'll just say that any intelligent person, before they take a job, they do their due diligence. They make sure it's going to be the most favorable position it can be for them. Chauncey Billups is very intelligent. And, uh, I'll just leave it at that."

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Billups, 40, never held a front office position, having served as an ESPN analyst since he retired in 2014.

Billups does, however, have a winning history. The five-time All-Star won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.

The possible addition of Billups comes amid a time of uncertainty for the Cavs after their loss in the NBA Finals. LeBron James could potentially leave the club for a second time as a free agent next summer. The Cavs are also in pursuit of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George and may have an interest in trading Kevin Love.