Former Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson is set to become the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach, a person familiar with decision told the Associated Press. Nick Wass/Associated Press
CLEVELAND — Just days ahead of the NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers picked their coach Monday.
Kenny Atkinson, an assistant with Golden State who helped Brooklyn rebuild before a puzzling departure, will be Cleveland’s new coach.
The Cavs have been looking for a new leader for their young team since firing J.B. Bickerstaff last month despite two straight playoff appearances and continued progress.
The sides have agreed on a deal and are working through details of Atkinson’s contract.
Atkinson, 57, joined the French national team’s staff as an assistant to Coach Vincent Collet late last year and is in Paris preparing for the Olympics.
Atkinson spent the past three seasons as Steven Kerr’s top assistant with the Warriors. In 2022, Atkinson accepted Charlotte’s coaching job but backed out a week after agreeing to a four-year contract.
LAKERS: JJ Redick says his hiring as the team’s coach means the end of his podcast with LeBron James.
Redick hopes they’ll be able to produce much more compelling content next season in a new incarnation of their partnership, chasing a championship together with the Lakers.
In a news conference with General Manager Rob Pelinka at the Lakers’ training complex, Redick humorously embraced the unlikeliness of his extraordinary hire as he looked across a gym filled with team employees, media members and some of his new players.
“I have never coached in the NBA before,” Redick said with a straight face.
“I don’t know if you guys have heard that.”
RAPTORS: Scottie Barnes agreed to terms on a max extension that will be worth about $225 million over five years and could reach about $270 million if he meets supermax criteria.
Barnes intends to sign the contract shortly after the league’s moratorium on signings is lifted July 6.
It would begin in the 2025-26 season with a starting salary of about $39 million, and reaching about $51 million in 2029-30 – unless he qualifies for a supermax contract next season, and then the numbers would get higher.
Barnes will make about $10 million next season, the last of his rookie deal.
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