Just In: Knicks Top Assistant Joining Cavaliers As Associated Head Coach, AP Source Says

A person familiar with the hiring tells The Associated Press that the Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Knicks assistant Johnnie Bryant as an associate head coach under Kenny Atkinson

According to a source familiar with the situation, Johnnie Bryant, an assistant with the New York Knicks, is set to join the coaching staff of new Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson.

Bryant, who previously interviewed for the head coaching position with the Cavaliers before Atkinson’s hiring, will reportedly serve as an associate head coach. The hiring has not been officially announced, and the information comes from a source speaking anonymously.

Bryant will rejoin Cavs All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland, with whom he worked closely during their time together in Utah. Mitchell has often acknowledged Bryant’s role in his development as a player. Mitchell recently agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension with the Cavaliers, following Atkinson’s appointment.

Atkinson, the former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, is in the process of finalizing his coaching staff and has already brought on board former Lakers assistant Jordan Ott and former NBA player DeMarre Carroll. Ott is currently coaching Cleveland’s Summer League team in Las Vegas.

The hiring of Bryant by the Cavs was previously reported by ESPN. Cleveland parted ways with coach J.B. Bickerstaff after their elimination from the playoffs.