LeBron doesn't talk to Cavaliers owner, sources say

Cavaliers GM unhappy in Cleveland: What does this mean for Magic GM hunt?

ORLANDO, Fla. – While the Cleveland Cavaliers are defending NBA champions, News 6 sports director David Pingalore learned through league sources Friday that staying in Cleveland for General Manager David Griffin is not his top choice.

Griffin is not making it his priority to stay in Cleveland because of his disdain and the unworkable conditions that the Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has created, league sources said.

League sources told David Pingalore​ at News 6 that Gilbert is not easy to work for and that Griffin, who has been the teams' GM since 2014, finds himself in the middle of difficult situations between management and the team’s leader, LeBron James.

LeBron and Gilbert do not speak to one another and LeBron's management team are the ones that deal with Gilbert's issues that he has with James, according to sources.

The Orlando Magic called Gilbert in the last several days, according to people close to the situation, asking permission to interview Griffin, but the call went unanswered with no response from Gilbert.

​Despite rumors of a new deal from Gilbert, the relationship has grown old resulting in Griffin wanting something new and fresh.

The Magic are in search of a GM after firing of Rob Hennigan and management have targeted Griffin because he is the hot choice.

According to league and Magic sources, the franchise has discounted other qualified candidates to make a public relations splash. A hire like Griffin is a bigger deal to win the press conference then a championship.

The Magic will have to over pay for Griffin who is seeking five to six million dollars a season.

Griffin will have his choices, the Magic's main competition will not only be with Cleveland, but possibly the Atlanta Hawks.

Currently, the Magic are under the guidance of interim GM, Matt Lloyd who is also a candidate for the job.

As Pingalore reported in April the Magic are looking for a president of basketball of operations and a general manager. According to the sources, Griffin wants the top job.

Hennigan was fired after five straight losing seasons.

"Some would say he didn't have the benefit of luck in the NBA Lottery, which is true,'' team CEO Alex Martins said. "But sometimes you have to make your own luck, which we believe we haven't done enough of.''

The Magic will draft 6th overall in next month's NBA draft.


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