The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed general manager Koby Altman to a contract extension, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Although the details of the extension were not made available immediately, it was described as long-term.
Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has agreed to a long-term contract extension, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 1, 2019
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert had this to say about Altman.
Koby has been a culture-driver and an innovator who has built a fresh, new foundation and environment for our front office and team that inspires everyone involved. He is a passionate leader who is executing a very dynamic, strategic plan for the future of the team and our vision for growth and success.
Koby’s collaborative approach has also extended beyond the team and had a consistent, positive impact across our entire organization. I look forward to seeing his hard work and creativity continue to make us better and help guide the team towards reaching our goals for years to come.
Altman has been in Cleveland’s front office since 2012 and was promoted to GM in 2017 on a three-year deal. He was tasked by owner Dan Gilbert with rebuilding the roster in the post-LeBron era. This included drafting Collin Sexton, who was voted second-team All-Rookie, in 2018 and Darius Garland in 2019, as well as hiring Michigan head coach John Beilein.
It seems like Gilbert is pleased with the direction of the organization as Altman is the first GM he has extended since he bought the team in 2005.
After reaching the Finals in his first season as GM, Altman oversaw LeBron’s departure to Los Angeles and subsequently placed a priority on developing players. He has focused on building around a young core that includes Sexton and Garland, and has also stockpiled assets along the way. Since being promoted to GM, the Cavaliers have acquired four first round picks and nine second round picks.
Altman has also signed Kevin Love, Cedi Osman, and Larry Nance Jr. to extensions. Cleveland is off to a 2-2 start this season.
