At an OpenAI feud trial on Wednesday, former OpenAI board member Shivon Zilis said the idea was discussed around late 2017.
Zilis, described as a Musk confidante, told jurors that appointing Altman to Tesla's board "was on the table" at one point.
The testimony adds to evidence in the courtroom battle between two leading artificial intelligence figures, linking their rivalry to earlier ties beyond OpenAI.
Was Musk's lawsuit sparked by a betrayed mission or regret over OpenAI's success after his failed takeover?
As billionaire founders clash in court, who is protecting humanity's interest in the race to build AGI?
Was the Tesla board offer a genuine gesture or a strategic move in Musk's 2017 power play for OpenAI?