Reports: Cavs expected to retain Kenny Atkinson; James Harden wants to return

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson will be back on the sideline in Cleveland next season, according to multiple reports.

Atkinson and the Cavs were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, which began with Cleveland blowing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and wrapped Monday night with a 130-93 loss.

Atkinson was named NBA Coach of the Year last season and signed a five-year deal when he was hired in 2024.

All-Star Donovan Mitchell said Monday he supports Atkinson and wants him back, giving him credit for advancing the team to the conference finals after repeat second-round flameouts.

"We love Kenny. I ride with Kenny," Mitchell said.

Atkinson has a regular-season record of 116-48 in two seasons with the Cavaliers. He previously served as coach of the Brooklyn Nets (2016-2020) and has been an assistant coach in the league for multiple teams since 2008, most recently with the Golden State Warriors (2021-2024).

The Cavaliers are likely to look different on the court.

Mitchell is eligible for a long-term extension and James Harden has a decision to make on the $42.3 million player option he holds for the 2026-27 season. ESPN reported Harden was expected to work out a new two-year deal at a lower salary to remain in Cleveland. He said Monday night he "definitely wants to be" with the Cavaliers.

Another option for the Cavs could be a third tour with LeBron James, who said last week he's still sorting out his plans for next season.

But Cleveland has been rumored to be one of the teams with significant interest in acquiring Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. ESPN reported the Cavs engaged Milwaukee at the trade deadline but didn't come up with a match because they were unwilling to part with Evan Mobley.

--Field Level Media