AP sources: Pelicans hiring former Cavs GM Griffin

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Three people familiar with the situation say the Pelicans have reached an agreement in principle to make former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin New Orleans’ new executive vice president of basketball operations.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because contract negotiations are ongoing and no announcement has been made.

Griffin will take over for former Pelicans general manger Dell Demps, who was fired in the middle of his ninth season with the club and a few weeks after All-Star Anthony Davis‘ trade request in late January.

Griffin’s agreement to join New Orleans, which was first reported by ESPN, puts him at the center of the club’s effort to find the best deal for Davis. Griffin also could decide the fate of Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry.

The 45-year-old Griffin was the Cavaliers GM from 2014 to 2017, during which LeBron James returned from Miami to Cleveland and the Cavs won an NBA title.