Johnnie Bryant, currently an assistant coach with the New York Knicks, is joining the Cleveland Cavaliers under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, according to a source familiar with the hiring who spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday.
Bryant, who had interviewed for the Cavaliers’ coaching position before Atkinson was selected, will serve as an associate head coach. The source requested anonymity because the team has not officially announced the move.
In Cleveland, Bryant will reunite with Cavs’ star guard Donovan Mitchell. The two previously worked together in Utah for several years, and Mitchell has frequently praised Bryant for his role in his development as a player.
Mitchell recently signed a substantial contract extension worth $150.3 million over three years with the Cavaliers. His commitment came shortly after Cleveland hired Atkinson, the former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets who most recently served as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.
Bryant spent six seasons with the Utah Jazz before joining the Knicks in 2020, coinciding with speculation about Mitchell potentially being traded to New York before the Cavaliers orchestrated a major deal to acquire him.
Atkinson is still finalizing his coaching staff but has already brought in Jordan Ott, a former assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers, and former NBA player DeMarre Carroll. Ott is currently coaching Cleveland’s Summer League team in Las Vegas.
ESPN had previously reported on Bryant’s imminent move to the Cavaliers. Cleveland parted ways with coach J.B. Bickerstaff after their playoff elimination.
