Knicks associate head coach is candidate for Cavs opening

The Cleveland Cavaliers fired their head coach J.B. Bickerstaff one week after the team’s deepest playoff run since 2018 concluded with a semifinal loss to the Celtics. Per Fear the Sword, “According to Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman, the decision to fire J.B. Bickerstaff was about ‘finding someone with a new approach’ and not about anyone one thing Bickerstaff did.” Bickerstaff logged a 170-159 record in five seasons as the Cavaliers’ head coach and finished last season 48-34, good for fourth place in NBA Eastern Conference

As Cleveland searches for a new head coach, many of the usual names have been bandied about. One résumé in the mix with ties to the Knicks, however, is Johnnie Bryant.

Bryant has served beside Tom Thibodeau as the Knicks’ associate head coach for four seasons.

As Marc Stein wrote in his latest substack post, “Former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson is widely considered the early favorite, but the list of coaching candidates to replace J.B. Bickerstaff is said to include Borrego, Stotts, former Cavaliers coaching consultant Dave Joerger and Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant, who is close with Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell from their time together in Utah.”

Known for player development, Bryant also has strong relationships with Damian Lillard and Gordon Hayward. The Knicks would need to grant permission for Bryant to interview with the Koby Altman and the Cavs.

Bryant’s chances could improve if Mitchell stays in Cleveland. Stein elaborated on that situation, writing, “The Cavaliers […] that they are optimistic about Mitchell signing the new deal, which technically can’t be discussed until after the Finals. Part of Cleveland’s calculus when it came to firing Bickerstaff was the belief that it will enhance its chances of retaining Mitchell.

As Ian Begley reports, Spida is in line for a $208.5 million extension as of June 30. Terry Pluto wrote this week for Cleveland.com, “The Cavs star has one year left on his contract. I’ve been told the Cavs either would sign him to an extension this summer, or trade him. They have zero intention of opening the 2024-25 season with Mitchell heading into his free agent year.”

With all the goodwill toward him, Bryant has seemed to be a shoo-in for the Knicks’ top job when Thibs exits. However, his ascension could be further postponed this summer when Thibodeau is likely to receive a contract extension. My money is on Cleveland hiring Stotts or Atkinson, but if Thibs is extended, the likelihood of losing Bryant in the coming years will only increase.