Griffin agrees to be executive vice president of Pels

Griffin stepped down as the Cleveland Cavaliers 'general manager in 2017, punctuating a mandate that included the Cavaliers' NBA win in 2016 with LeBron James. Griffin spent 17 years in the Phoenix Suns front office.

Danny Ferry was interim general manager following the dismissal of Dell Demps in April. He told ESPN earlier Friday that he had withdrawn from the process, citing the wish to keep his family grounded at their home in Atlanta.

"I informed the pelicans throughout the process that for a number of reasons the timing was not conducive for my family to move full-time to New Orleans," Ferry told ESPN in a text message. "It's a great job and deserves full-time focus."

The hiring of Griffin, 46, is expected to accompany an upgrade in staffing and resources devoted to the franchise, sources said. Griffin was particular in choosing his next job after leaving Cleveland, retiring from research in New York and Philadelphia when circumstances did not seem to be right.

Gayle Benson, owner of New Orleans, has expressed the wish to invest more in pelicans. She is also the owner of the New Orleans Saints of the NFL.

The pelicans coach, Alvin Gentry, worked with Griffin with the Suns. He interviewed Griffin for the Cavaliers Head Coach position, which was ultimately entrusted to David Blatt. Gentry is one of the organization's favorites, and he was expected to return next season regardless of hiring his office, sources said.

Davis requested an exchange earlier in the season and he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.