NBA Rumors: Former Cavs GM Hopes To Mend Ties With Anthony Davis

The New Orleans Pelicans have a new general manager in David Griffin and the new top brass hopes to get things in order. At the top of his list is to persuade Anthony Davis to stay.

Griffin is no stranger to handling these kinds of situations. He was formerly the Cleveland Cavaliers general manager when LeBron James was still in Ohio - the same season when the Cavs won their first and only NBA title.

With Davis still under contract for one more season, Griffin hopes that his relationship with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports can somehow set the path straight for the All-Star big man who requested for a trade back in January. Griffin was named the team's new general manager last Friday, replacing Dell Demps.

"Rich Paul and I have spoken about Anthony and I think we're both excited about what we can potentially build here," Griffin said in an article from the Associated Press.

It remains to be seen if Griffin can convince Davis to change his mind. He has yet to meet with the 26-year-old center but believes that the situation remains manageable.

One person who is expected to monitor the Anthony Davis situation is Pelicans team owner Gayle Benson. Right now, she seems to like the outlook Griffin has in mind, NBA.com reported.

"We certainly don't want somebody here whose heart isn't in it, but hopefully Anthony will have a change of heart and if he does, we'll welcome him back with open arms," Benson said.

Aside from Davis, the Pelicans will be retaining the services of head coach Alvin Gentry. Griffin believes that he is the right man for the job and admits that the 64-year-old NBA coach played a key role in him accepting the Pelicans general manager position.

"My leadership style is to build a family - a family that loves each other enough to tell each other what they need to hear. Alvin and I can do that for each other," said Griffin.

From here, it will be interesting if Griffin can convince Davis to stay on - at least until his contract runs out. Several teams are expected to make a pitch for Anthony Davis come NBA Free Agency - including the Los Angeles Lakers who failed to consummate a deal before the February NBA trade deadline.

If Davis insists on a trade, the next best thing the Pelicans can do is study the offers. And by the looks of it, they won't be settling for scraps in exchange for The Brow.