Cavs Hiring Warriors’ Atkinson as Head Coach

The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to appoint Kenny Atkinson, currently an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, as their new head coach, sources informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski indicated that a formal agreement is expected soon.

In their search for a new head coach, the Cavaliers also seriously considered James Borrego, the New Orleans Pelicans’ associate head coach. Borrego, who was a finalist for the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coaching position, is anticipated to be a key candidate for the Detroit Pistons’ vacancy as well, sources confirmed to Wojnarowski.

With Atkinson’s appointment, Cleveland will focus on securing a contract extension for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell, 27, has one year remaining on his current contract before he can exercise an early termination option to enter free agency. He had a conversation with Atkinson and approved his hiring, according to sources close to Chris Fedor of cleveland.com.

Atkinson is widely recognized for his tenure as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020, during which he led the rebuilding team to the playoffs in 2019. The Nets’ first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers that year was particularly notable.

After stepping down from his role with the Nets during the 2019-20 season, Atkinson joined the Los Angeles Clippers before moving to the Warriors. His contributions were instrumental in Golden State’s championship victory in 2022. Despite informally agreeing to coach the Charlotte Hornets during the NBA Finals, Atkinson chose to remain with the Warriors.

Known for his expertise in player development, Atkinson will be reuniting with former Nets players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert on the Cavaliers. The team is also keen to see his developmental strategy for Evan Mobley, sources mentioned to Wojnarowski.

The Cavaliers decided to part ways with J.B. Bickerstaff following their loss in the second round to the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics. This decision came after Cleveland achieved its first playoff series victory without LeBron James since 1998, defeating the Orlando Magic in the first round.