Person with knowledge of situation says Cavs and former coach Mike Brown nearing a deal

FILE - In this Dec. 25, 2011 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown gestures during the second half of the Lakers' NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers intend to speak with former coach Brown about returning to the team. Brown was fired by Cleveland three years ago and replaced by Byron Scott, who was let go by the Cavs on Thursday after he went 64-166 in three seasons _ one of the worst stretches in team history. . (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) (The Associated Press)

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the Cavaliers and Mike Brown are near an agreement to bring him back to Cleveland for a second time.

The person spoke only on condition of anonymity Tuesday because negotiations were ongoing.

Brown went 272-138 and went to the playoffs all five of his years with the Cavs, teaming with LeBron James on a run to the NBA Finals in 2007. He was fired after a loss to Boston in the conference semifinals in 2010.

Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert hired Byron Scott to replace Brown. Scott was fired last week after three seasons.

Brown spent one full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, who fired him five games into this season.