Report: Gilbert rejected Griffin's demands for raise, more power with Cavs

Deposed Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin had requested a "significant" raise and more autonomy from owner Dan Gilbert before the two parties split on Monday, sources told The Athletic's Jason Lloyd.

Gilbert rejected Griffin's demands outright, cancelling a second meeting scheduled for Sunday, Lloyd reports. Griffin released a statement Monday night saying the fit with the Cavaliers "was not right."

It would appear Griffin believed he had earned the slack to make the requests after capturing the organization's first NBA title - and Cleveland's first major pro sports championship in 52 years - in 2016.

Related: Gilbert reportedly targeting Billups to take over Cavs' basketball operations

However, Gilbert, who will now bring aboard the Cavs' fifth GM in his 12-plus years as owner, is known in league circles as occasionally impulsive. While it's not unusual for the billionaire to put off contract negotiations until the last minute, something appeared different with the Griffin situation, according to Lloyd.

The major concern for the Cavs moving forward is LeBron James. While he is not a free agent until next summer, rumors have begun to swirl that he may ultimately decamp northeast Ohio for the second time in his career. James was reportedly disappointed by Griffin's departure, later tweeting a tribute to him.

Griffin took the reins of the Cavs in 2014, the same year James returned. While he doesn't receive credit for that or for LeBron's recruitment of Kevin Love, he was able to swing deals for key players like J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Kyle Korver during his tenure. Griffin was reportedly trying to work on a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler at the time he left.