The New Orleans Pelicans have fired David Griffin as executive vice president of basketball operations. Griffin was hired by the Pelicans in 2019 to replace Dell Demps shortly before they won the lottery to select Zion Williamson.
Griffin’s first major piece of business with the Pelicans was their trade of Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. By acquiring Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart along with a number of draft picks, the Pelicans were expected to build a well-rounded roster around Williamson.
The Pelicans were slowed by injuries to a number of key players, most notably Williamson. New Orleans reached the playoffs in 2022 and 2024, but Williamson wasn’t available for either first round series.
Griffin previously ran the front office of the Cleveland Cavaliers and was in the position from 2014 until the end of the 16-17 season.
“After considerable thought and evaluation, I have decided to relieve David Griffin of his duties as executive vice president of basketball operations,” Gayle 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.”