News that the New Orleans Pelicans fired general manager Dell Demps on Friday shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.
The obvious backdrop here is the Anthony Davis situation — something that played a role in Demps firing.
Now, hours after the move, candidates to replace Demps in New Orleans’ front office are being bandied about.
According to this report from Marc Stein of The New York Times, former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin is a candidate for the vacancy.
Two names to quickly emerge in league circles as likely targets in the Pelicans’ GM search — albeit two candidates who have both been selective in the extreme in considering offers — are former Cavs and Suns GM David Griffin and longtime Celtics executive Mike Zarren
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 15, 2019
Griffin, 45, has been a candidate for multiple openings after him and the Cavaliers decided to part ways back in 2017. He’s among the most respected personnel men in the game.
During Griffin’s four-year stint as the Cavaliers general manager, he oversaw the return of LeBron James to Cleveland and the franchise’s first ever NBA title. He also made the trade to acquire Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2014.