Atlanta Hawks also expected to pursue David Griffin

Add the Atlanta Hawks to what could become a line of suitors for Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin.

David Griffin, whose contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers expires this summer, is the Orlando Magic’s top candidate for a role as president of basketball operations. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Atlanta Hawks are now expected to pursue David Griffin for their general manager position.

Could David Griffin leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Atlanta Hawks?

It should be unlikely given that the Atlanta Hawks are an Eastern Conference foe in the East, at least in the minds of the Cleveland faithful. It would border on treachery.

Well, not really. That’s hyperbolic, perhaps, but it would go against the sense the outside world has that there’s a familial bond brewing in Cleveland.

Think about the Road Trippin’ Podcast, watch parties, the friendships that have expected between pairs and trios of players all along. The way they’ve bonded during the last two playoff runs.

For his part, Griffin seems to be genuinely invested with the Cavs team to an emotional level.

Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James and head coach Tyronn Lue have been vocal in their support for Griffin to get a new contract but after failing to get a contract extension with the Cavs last season, the relationship between the two groups has soured.

According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s Cavs owner Dan Gilbert who is holding up the deal:

"“So far, Gilbert has hesitated in offering Griffin an extension that’s on par with the NBA’s championship-level executives, league sources told The Vertical.”"

The Atlanta Hawks have had both good teams and good coaches, including Cavs assistant coach Larry Drew, over the years. They haven’t missed the playoffs since the 2006-2007 season, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2014-2015 season under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Budenholzer, who was an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, was also the team’s president of basketball operations.

Riding off of a 60-win season and their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in franchise history, the last two seasons have been particularly disappointing for the Hawks. They won 48 games and lost in the Eastern Conference Finals last season before winning only 40 games and losing in the first round this season.

Center Al Horford joined the Boston Celtics in free agency. Kyle Korver was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Paul Millsap was rumored to be on the trading block.

Now, the Atlanta Hawks are a lot like the Miami Heat, using plucky players who haven’t played much to bring energy and enthusiasm to the arena. The players are skilled, yes. But they’re young. Their best proven players, Paul Millsap and Dwight Howard, are both 31-years-old.

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With the drastic changes to the Atlanta Hawks roster and environment, along with their declining success, perhaps the Hawks are trying to stop what could be Rome from falling by being proactive.

In an official press release, the Atlanta Hawks shook up the front office with general manager Wes Wilcox stepping down and Budenholzer considering dropping his role as president. The new general manager will get the final say on personnel decisions.

As far as the difference in assets, the Atlanta Hawks will have a first round pick and up to $11 million in cap space over the summer according to Spotrac, and with their young pieces, many trade assets. The Cleveland Cavaliers will have a few low-figure trade exceptions and according to Spotrac, will be $24 million over the cap no matter what they do.

It will be an easier job to manage in Atlanta, make no mistake about it.

If there was a personal relationship the Hawks could exploit to nudge Griffin in their direction, they should look no further than minority owner Grant Hill, who was a rookie while Griffin was a vice president of basketball operations with the Phoenix Suns.

As seen in the tweet by ESPN’s Marc Stein, Dumars also has ties to Hill so it gives Griffin no advantage over his competition but it does bring a personal effect to a team that Griffin would have no intimate connection with.

In addition, Griffin’s relationship with ownership in particular is likely going to be a big factor in his decision-making this offseason.

Related Story: If he leaves, who can replace David Griffin?

What do you think about the Atlanta Hawks’ interest in David Griffin? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.