Knicks in contact with ex-Cavaliers GM David Griffin, report says
David Griffin spent three seasons as the Cavaliers' general manager. Credit: AP / Tony Dejak
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Knicks could be planning to formally interview former Cavaliers general manager David Griffin for the opening in their basketball department.
ESPN.com reported that the two sides spoke over the weekend and will meet within the next few weeks.
The Knicks parted ways with former president Phil Jackson on Wednesday. It’s unclear if the Knicks would be talking to Griffin to fill Jackson’s spot or to be their GM.
There are reports that current GM Steve Mills is being considered for the president’s position. When Mills returned to the organization in 2013 after the firing of Glen Grunwald, he was named president and GM.
Mills is running the Knicks’ basketball department right now and seeing them through this free-agent negotiation period. The Knicks haven’t been very active in free agency, coming to terms with only Ron Baker, who was brought back on a two-year deal.
Mills respectfully declined to speak to reporters Sunday. “I’m not talking,” he said. “Nice try, though.”
The Knicks brought in former Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke to assist Mills on an interim basis in the search for a new executive.
It was believed that Raptors president Masai Ujiri was high on the Knicks’ list. Leiweke brought Ujiri to Toronto. But the Knicks would have to give up compensation, likely in the form of draft picks, to get him out of his contract.
Because the Knicks are rebuilding, they don’t want to part with any first-round picks. So Ujiri currently is not a candidate.
The Cavaliers didn’t renew Griffin’s contract after three straight seasons in which the team reached the NBA Finals. The Knicks wouldn’t have to give up any compensation for him.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
