Sources tell ESPN that the Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson as the franchise’s next coach. Per multiple reports, the Cavs and Atkinson are finalizing the details of their deal, which should be completed soon.
Atkinson, 56, replaces J.B. Bickerstaff, who was fired on May 23 after five seasons. The gig with the Cavaliers will be Atkinson’s second NBA head coaching job; he previously served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-20. He went 118-190 with the Nets over four seasons before stepping down.
Prior to his time with the Nets, Atkinson was an assistant for the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks from 2008-16. After stepping down as Nets head coach in March 2020, Atkinson was hired by the Golden State Warriors as an assistant coach in August 2021 and remained there through the 2023-24 season.
The Cavaliers made the playoffs for the second straight season this season before losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, while playing the final two games without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell or center Jarrett Allen.
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