Some of his peers believe so. Both the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic recently asked the Cavaliers for permission to speak with Griffin for their top front-office positions. Each was turned down by Cleveland and went on to fill those positions without ever interviewing him. Now, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly interested in Griffin grabbing their basketball reins, although they have not yet asked permission to talk to him.

Gilbert is a hands-on owner who has a history of letting player and executive contracts run out before going to the negotiating table, and Griffin’s contract expires at the end of the month. With the Cavaliers’ payroll now standing at more than $125 million, and with an additional $27 million in luxury taxes to pay, Gilbert has earned the right to spend money at his own pace.

Through a spokesman, Griffin declined to be interviewed for this article but soon followed up with a text that read: “I really appreciate the opportunity to reconsider but I am trying desperately to keep a low profile and my quotes being in something about me just makes me uncomfortable. Ownership wouldn’t appreciate either, I am sure.”

Well, good luck on trying to hide in plain sight, especially during what fans hope will be an epic N.B.A. finals, even if Game 1 on Thursday was a lopsided victory for the Warriors. Although the result was disheartening for the Cavaliers, there is still time for James, the Babe Ruth (in Griffin’s estimation) of the N.B.A., to figure out a way to challenge an aesthetically dazzling Warriors team led by extraordinary talents bearing names befitting pop stars — Steph, K. D., Draymond and Klay.

Meanwhile, as Gilbert decides whether Griffin is worth keeping, and at what price, there is little doubt that taking stock of his achievements as the chief architect of the Cavaliers is forever complicated by the overwhelming influence James has in the front office and beyond.