Cavs' Koby Altman signs reported extension through 2027-28 season

Koby Altman was promoted to GM in July of 2017 and is now the team’s president of basketball operations.

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Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has been rewarded for the team’s turnaround with a contract extension and new job title, the team officially announced Wednesday. He is now the Cavaliers’ president of basketball operations.

OFFICIAL: Koby Altman has signed a new long-term contract extension ✍️

DETAILS: https://t.co/y9VyfWuJ6e pic.twitter.com/N4PZoDjNQW

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 12, 2022

Altman, who has re-shaped the Cavs’ roster and moved them back into playoff contention, reportedly agreed to the extension through the 2027-28 season, The Associated Press and ESPN reported on Tuesday.

“Today is a great day for the franchise and another step forward in realizing our vision that includes stability in leadership for the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Cavs chairman Dan Gilbert said in a statement Wednesday. “I have the utmost confidence in his ability and the culture he has established since taking over the basketball leadership role with our organization. … I feel our organization is primed for sustainable and long-term success and that is in no small part thanks to Koby’s efforts, determination and talent. I look forward to what’s ahead for Koby and the Cavaliers.”

At 23-18, the Cavs have already surpassed their win total from last season. Cleveland has won 19, 19 and 22 games the past three seasons — a run that began after LeBron James left for the Lakers.

But with a core of young players assembled by Altman, the Cavs are relevant again and appear built for sustained success.

Altman made astute selections in guard Darius Garland and forward Evan Mobley, lottery draft picks in 2019 and 2021 respectively, and his trade last season for center Jarrett Allen has accelerated Cleveland’s rebuild.

He was hired as Cavs GM on July 24, 2017. Since Altman and the Cavaliers’ 2018 NBA Finals run, he has accumulated 18 draft picks (three first round, 15 second round) and still owns all of the team’s remaining first round picks and 12 second round picks over the next seven seasons. Cleveland has also maintained roster flexibility, with 11 of their 15 current roster players at team options or non-fully guaranteed years at the end of their contract terms.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.