Cavaliers Fire J.B. Bickerstaff After 4 Years, What Does Cleveland's Future Hold?

(Photo : (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)) CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have parted ways with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after four seasons, according to ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski.

Bickerstaff took over the job in 2020 as an interim coach, replacing John Beilein throughout his time in Cleveland. 

J.B. Bickerstaff made the postseason three times throughout his stint in Cleveland, including this past season, where they finished as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 48-34 record. 

The Cavs beat the Orlando Magic in the first round, advancing to the second round for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Cleveland then lost to the Boston Celtics here, after an injury riddled series for the Cavaliers. 

Bickerstaff managed to go 170-159 throughout his tenure in Cleveland.    

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Cavaliers Poor Playoff Showing 

The writing was on the wall in regards to Bickerstaff's job security following the Cavaliers' loss to the Celtics. 

According to The Athletic's Sham Charania, players on the roster, including Donovan Mitchell, weren't fans of Bickerstaff's coaching style. 

Cleveland Cavaliers' President Koby Altman also wasn't a fan of Bickerstaff playing Mitchell for too many minutes throughout the regular season, seemingly wearing him down for the postseason.

Cavs' Future in Question

The Cavs have improved drastically throughout Bickerstaff's tenure in Cleveland, one notable change being the trade for Donovan Mitchell back in 2022. 

Mitchell joined a young Cavaliers team, helping them instantly become one of the premiere teams in the Eastern Conference. 

Now, rumors tell that Donovan Mitchell possibly wants out of Cleveland, leaving one to ponder the Cavaliers' future with a new coach and potentially without their franchise pillar.

Shams Charnia also reports that the Cavaliers are expected to offer Mitchell an extension of close to four years and $208 million.

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