Advertisement - scroll for more content
ESPN insiders: Zion Williamson most likely star to request a trade
The next superstar to request a trade will be ...? 1. Zion Williamson: 10 votes 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 7 votes 3. LeBron James: 6 votes 4. Ja Morant: 1 vote 5. Trae Young: 1 vote There isn't a situation simmering this summer that seems as destined for midseason divorce as Jimmy Butler's strained marriage with the Miami Heat was last season. Williamson's stay in New Orleans might have been extended by the Pelicans' front office change, with Joe Dumars replacing David Griffin as the primary decision-maker. If Williamson can have a strong start to the season -- and avoid the injury bug that has plagued his career -- it's feasible that he could seek a fresh start instead of remaining with a New Orleans franchise that seems stuck in neutral. It has been radio silent since James, via his agent Rich Paul, attempted to rattle the Lakers' cages immediately after exercising his $52.6 million player option for this season. The all-time leading scorer and his camp understand just how complicated a trade involving him -- at his age, making that much money, with the contractual right to veto any deal -- would be.
Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown no longer a lock to return to New Orleans?
It’s also worth noting that while former executive David Griffin wanted to re-sign unrestricted free agent Bruce Brown and keep center Kelly Olynyk into next season, according to league sources, it’s unclear how new executive Joe Dumars feels about both players.
Dumars would be letting go of Gar Foreman, Todd Quinter, and Chico Averbuck, as first reported by Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. All three had strong ties to David Griffin, but were also heavily involved in the college and draft prospect scouting process. Sources indicate there wasn't much of a heads up given to this group.
Pelicans won't retain executives Todd Quinter and Gar Forman
Marc Stein: League sources say New Orleans will not retain longtime NBA executives Todd Quinter and former Bulls GM Gar Forman ... key members of the ousted David Griffin's staff. Quinter worked beside Griffin in Phoenix. Forman was a Griffin special adviser.
Advertisement
Naismith Hall of Famer Joe Dumars is finalizing a deal to become the new president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Dumars -- a two-time NBA champion as a player and a title-winning executive with the Detroit Pistons -- returns to his home state of Louisiana and replaces David Griffin as the head of basketball operations for the Pelicans.
Dumars served as the chief strategy officer of the Sacramento Kings from 2019-22 and has been the NBA league office's executive vice president of basketball operations since 2022. Dumars ran the Pistons from 2000-14, winning the executive of the year award in 2003 and building the 2004 championship team. He made a series of moves that propelled the Pistons to seven straight seasons of 50 wins or more from 2001-02 to 2007-08 -- signing Chauncey Billups, trading for Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace and Rip Hamilton, and drafting Tayshaun Prince.
In New Orleans, Dumars is expected to soon immerse himself with the current basketball staff, led by well-regarded general manager Bryson Graham, and head coach Willie Green. In terms of the Pelicans' roster, the franchise will assuredly have candid conversations with star forward Zion Williamson on his direction with the team.
Mike Brown, Jared Dudley, Willie Green among candidates to be considered for Suns head coach
Chris Haynes: So sources related to me that these are a list of coaching candidates that are going to be looked at by the Phoenix Suns: Mike Brown – Former head coach of the Sacramento Kings Willie Green – Current Pelicans head coach We’re going to see: is Willie going to stay there in New Orleans? I mean, excuse me—New Orleans just parted ways with the President of Basketball Operations, David Griffin, and so we’re going to see if Willie is going to stay there in place or not. If Willie is going to be outed, Phoenix is definitely going to take a look at Willie. Willie spent some time in Phoenix. Chris Quinn – Miami assistant Johnnie Bryant – Cavaliers assistant Sean Sweeney – Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley – Mavericks assistant (Jared Dudley played in Phoenix, has strong ties to the Phoenix area) Royal Ivey – Rockets assistant David Fizdale – Suns assistant (currently) Kevin Young – Former Suns assistant and BYU head coach So those are some names that I was told that the team will look into and evaluate, and choose who they’re going to bring in for interviews. And so that’s the next phase right now.
Advertisement
The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin, it was announced today by Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson. “After considerable thought and evaluation, I have decided to relieve David Griffin of his duties as executive vice president of basketball operations,” Benson said. “This was a difficult decision, but one that I feel is necessary at this time to bring a fresh approach to our front office and build a culture that will deliver sustainable success, on and off the court. I am committed to hiring the right person to lead our basketball operations department and deliver an NBA Championship to our city. That is what our fans deserve. I am truly appreciative of David for his leadership and many contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community over the last six years. We wish David and his wife, Meredith, and their family all the best moving forward.”
Griffin was named the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations on April 17, 2019. Under Griffin’s leadership, the Pelicans compiled a record of 209-263 over the last six seasons which included two playoff appearances (2021-22 and 2023-24). New Orleans finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 21-61 record. Benson added, “While our focus is a championship on the court, we are also making sure that we do the same off the court, by continuing to prioritize the fan experience, and ensuring our games are easily accessible across our entire Gulf South region on multiple convenient platforms. In addition, we are working to determine the best path forward to transform the Smoothie King Center into the best arena in the NBA. We look forward to delivering on these priorities for our fans.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement