The New Orleans Pelicans have made a decision on who will lead their front office going forward. David Griffin, the former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager who was the architect behind the team’s 2016 NBA championship, is reportedly in line to take over. The news of Griffin’s appointment comes via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
David Griffin is finalizing a deal to become the next President of Basketball Operations with the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2019
Pelicans and David Griffin have an agreement in principle, league sources tell ESPN. Griffin will take over the franchise and now oversee the trade process for Anthony Davis. https://t.co/67NmP35ow4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2019
It’s unclear what title Griffin will hold, because, well, the two sides haven’t agreed on that yet.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1116805897123180546
Griffin was reported to be a finalist for the position alongside interim general manager Danny Ferry, but shortly before the news of his hiring dropped, Ferry pulled his name from consideration.
Danny Ferry has pulled out of the Pelicans GM process, he tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2019
Ferry: "I let the Pelicans know throughout the process that for a few reasons the timing wasn't right for my family to move full time to New Orleans. It's a great job and deserves a full time focus. I have had a great experience with the Pelicans…"
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2019
Ferry (cont). "…I am happy to stay on to help them continue with the transition and to consult the next head of basketball operations if so desired…" https://t.co/ebssk6B5yF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2019
Ferry had served in the role since February, when the team parted ways with general manager Dell Demps. Griffin will be tasked, first and foremost, with doing what Demps could not: Figuring out exactly what to do with Anthony Davis, who requested a trade before the trade deadline but stuck around due to Demps’ inability to figure out a deal. It’ll be fascinating to watch how that all goes down, especially because the Los Angeles Lakers are the team most frequently linked to Davis, and Griffin trading Davis to the team that has LeBron James on it might not look great.
Regardless, Griffin is a respected, accomplished executive for a team that could really use a calming presence in its front office, so while time will tell how he does in his new gig, this is an excellent hire for New Orleans.
