Cleveland Cavaliers hire Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson as new head coach.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson as their head coach, according to Shams Charania.

Atkinson, who was the Brooklyn Nets' head coach from 2016 to 2020, has spent the last three seasons as Steve Kerr's top assistant with the Warriors. He is noted for his pick-and-roll offense and ability to groom young players.

Cleveland's coaching search began on May 24, when the Cavaliers fired J.B. Bickerstaff, and it centered on two coaches throughout: Atkinson and former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego. Earlier in the process, Borrego was widely regarded to be the favorite, but Atkinson has gained traction in recent days. 

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who had stepped back from active team leadership in previous years, was allegedly intimately involved in the decision to hire Atkinson. According to Marc Stein, the former Nets coach gained a significant endorsement from Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo. Gilbert is a Michigan State alum who attempted to hire Izzo himself in 2010, so his word carries a lot of weight in Cleveland.

Cleveland's roster is currently under flux. While the Cavaliers are apparently hopeful he would sign a contract extension, star man Donovan Mitchell will be a free agent in 2025, and if he does not agree to extend, he is expected to be traded. 

The Cavaliers have found a coach, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Point guard Darius Garland will reportedly discuss trade options with his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, if Mitchell extends. Meanwhile, the fit between Allen and Evan Mobley continues to cause problems on offense, and Mobley's strong performance at center in the playoffs may make Allen expendable as the team searches for an impact wing.