Gets,

I don't think it would classify as being fired if Griffin leaves. My sense is that he wants (justifiably IMO) to be paid as a top executive. Dan Gilbert prints money, so I would be surprised if it ends up being a standoff about money.

I also think Griffin wants to build a team, which is why he was looking at Atlanta. But they hired a GM, so there's not a lot of jobs out there.

In the past 3 years, the Cavs have gotten player deals done late (Thompson, JR come to mind), so this may be the same thing.

If I were Griffin, I would look for an exit option since this team will have its cupboards bare in 3-5 years when LeBron retires. The "win now" approach has left them with practically no assets.