The Orlando Magic plan to offer their team president job to Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. The offer will not be made until Cleveland's season is over, however. Last week, the Magic's interest in Griffin was first reported by The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. USA Today's Sam Amick reported earlier Friday that Griffin is "known to be a frontrunner" for the position.
From ESPN:
The Magic can engage Griffin in contract talks at the conclusion of the Cavs' season, sources said.
Griffin's contract with Cleveland is up at the end of the season, and he and the team have not held meaningful discussions on an extension.
He still could remain with the Cavs on a new deal, sources said.
Griffin's track record as the Cavs' general manager is impressive. With little financial flexibility and the highest of expectations, he has found ways to improve the team midseason in each of the last three years. If he went to Orlando, it would be an entirely different job. The Magic do not have a franchise player, and they have spent the last five years rebuilding.
If the money was equal, would Griffin give up on chasing more championships in order to pursue a new challenge? This seems far-fetched. The question, then, is what kind of contract Cleveland will be willing to give Griffin to stay. Given that LeBron James directly said he wants Griffin to be retained earlier this month, it appears the pressure is on owner Dan Gilbert to not let him get away.
Orlando has also been said to have interest in Kevin McHale and Larry Bird for the job.
