The Cleveland Cavaliers intend to appoint Kenny Atkinson, currently an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, as their new head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday. See the details below.
Atkinson and the Cavaliers are now negotiating contract terms, with an agreement anticipated soon.
ESPN Sources: The Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson as the franchise’s next head coach and sides are working on a contract that’s expected to be completed soon. pic.twitter.com/x60kBtvQDQ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2024
The Cavaliers’ coaching decision came down to Atkinson and James Borrego, the associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. Atkinson is set to replace J.B. Bickerstaff, who was dismissed following Cleveland’s second-round playoff loss to the Boston Celtics.
Atkinson has been an assistant under Steve Kerr with the Warriors for the past three seasons.
Two years ago, Atkinson accepted the head-coaching role for the Charlotte Hornets but later chose to remain with Golden State.
Previously, Atkinson was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020.
After a 48-116 record in his first two seasons with the Nets, Atkinson significantly improved the team, leading them to a 42-40 record in the 2018-2019 season. The Nets were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.
Cleveland Cavaliers Roster Going Into Next Season
The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing several crucial roster decisions as they approach the 2024-2025 season. According to The Athletic, the Cavaliers plan to offer star player Donovan Mitchell a four-year, $209 million extension once Atkinson’s deal is finalized. Mitchell is entering the final year of his contract, so if he doesn’t sign the extension this summer, the Cavaliers are expected to trade him before the season begins.
I covered Kenny Atkinson during his Nets run.
What always stuck with me was him turning Brook Lopez (before that, Al Horford) into SHOOTERS — both helped their teams win titles as a result.
Now he could do the same for Evan Mobley.https://t.co/XuGSsqhl2L @ActionNetworkHQ
— Bryan Fonseca 🇵🇷 (@BryanFonsecaNY) June 24, 2024
The Athletic’s report indicates that the Cavaliers are “confident” Mitchell will accept the extension.
If Mitchell agrees to the extension, it’s possible that Darius Garland might request a trade, as reported by The Athletic. Garland, a rising young star, would likely require a return of multiple players and draft picks in a trade.
Additionally, there’s the case of Evan Mobley, whose offensive development has been slow. Atkinson, who previously helped Brook Lopez become a consistent jump shooter with the Nets, will aim to achieve similar progress with the 23-year-old Mobley.
