Donald Trump at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump entertained the idea of not serving as president if he won the November general election in a New York Times story published Thursday.

The Times brought up the scenario, asking whether Trump might go through the general election and win the presidency "only to forgo the office as the ultimate walk-off winner."

In response to the hypothetical scenario, Trump "flashed a mischievous smile," according to The Times.

"I'll let you know how I feel about it after it happens," he then said.

To be fair, The Times noted that it's "entirely possible that Mr. Trump is playing coy to earn more news coverage." But considering Trump's unconventional path to winning the Republican presidential nomination, and his background as a billionaire businessman rather than a public servant, some have questioned whether Trump really wants the presidency.

Thomas Barrack Jr., a real-estate investor who is close friends with Trump, told The Times that he's "not going to pull out." And Roger Stone, a longtime political adviser of Trump's, told the newspaper that Trump would definitely serve if he won.

"I'm fairly certain about that," Stone said. "You think he'd resign? I don't see that happening. There is only one star in the Donald Trump show, and that's Donald Trump."

Trump will run against Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and senator from New York.

Business Insider asked Trump's campaign whether he is actually considering giving up the presidency if he wins the election. Here's spokeswoman Hope Hicks' response: "Mr. Trump is running for President to Make America Great Again. He looks forward to defeating Hillary Clinton in the fall and doing everything he can to accomplish that."