CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman is going to be sticking around for a while.
Hours before Cleveland tips off against a Central Division foe, the Indiana Pacers, in an early-season road game, Cavaliers chairman Dan Gilbert announced that Altman has signed a long-term extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I’m truly humbled and excited to sign a long-term extension with the Cavaliers and I look forward to continuing the overall development and growth we are experiencing with this team,” Altman said in a release announcing the move. “We have a first-class organization, led by our chairman, Dan Gilbert, an extraordinary fanbase and a great team behind the team, who provide incredible resources and opportunities for us to be successful.
“I’m also thankful to our players, coaches and support staff, who have shown continued trust and displayed their commitment to our process of establishing a sustainable and winning culture here in Cleveland. Northeast Ohio is a special place, and my family and I are thrilled to remain in this community for years to come.”
It is the first time Gilbert has given a long-term contract extension to any of his general managers since purchasing a majority stake in the Cavaliers in March of 2005.
Altman, 37, was promoted in the summer of 2017 to replace former GM David Griffin.
“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,” Gilbert said in the release. “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.”
Last offseason, Altman oversaw the hiring of new coach John Beilein and the selections of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Dylan Windler and Kevin Porter Jr. in the first round of the last two NBA Drafts. Also, Altman reached multi-year contract extensions with power forwards Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr., as well as small forward Cedi Osman.
Altman executed trades to acquire Jordan Clarkson, Matthew Dellavedova, John Henson, Brandon Knight, Nance Jr. and Ante Zizic, in addition to getting four first-round picks in deals since being named general manager.
Altman joined the Cavaliers as a pro personnel manager in August of 2012, and by September of 2013, was promoted to director of pro player personnel.
Altman was promoted to assistant general manager in September of 2016, months after the Cavaliers won their first NBA Championship with an historic come-from-behind effort against the Golden State Warriors in The Finals.
