Cleveland’s offseason outlook is uncertain, and the future of several players and coach J.B. Bickerstaff with the Cavaliers appears uncertain.
After losing in five games to the Celtics in the second round on Wednesday, Bickerstaff’s future is up in the air.serious danger” reported The Athletic.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. The Cavaliers will take time to evaluate Bickerstaff’s future, but “the organization still likes him” after more than four seasons as head coach.
Further complicating matters is the drama surrounding star Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell was “frustrated by the maturity, focus, playoff level preparation and lack of listening of some of his teammates.” cleveland.com report.
This appears to lay the groundwork for Mitchell to be released from his contract at the end of next season and become an unrestricted free agent.
The paper notes that if there are any signs that Mitchell’s eyes are wandering, Cleveland should consider trading him instead of losing him for free in free agency.
At that point, several teams, including the Nets and Lakers, are said to be “opening up trade offers” for Mitchell if he tells the Cavaliers he won’t resign this offseason.
After a frustrating season, with multiple voices of discontent within and around the team, the Bickerstaff-Mitchell pairing may not last long.
The Athletic reported that team president Koby Altman “reprimanded” Bickerstaff in front of the entire staff and criticized Mitchell for playing so heavily.
Mitchell averaged 39.7 minutes per game in three games against the Celtics before suffering a calf strain and missing Games 4 and 5, which the Cavaliers lost.
Bickerstaff was previously hounded by Mitchell in the 2023 postseason, averaging 41.4 minutes per game in the Knicks’ five-game losing streak, a career-high during the five-game losing streak.
The Cavaliers were also without Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen due to injury in the elimination game.
The Athletic continues to report that if Mitchell signs a long-term extension with the Cavaliers, fellow guard Darius Garland could seek a trade as he appears to be unable to remain fit at various points this season. Stated.
These details seem to indicate that Cleveland may have to choose between Garland and Mitchell.
“I think this year has been a difficult year for us for a variety of reasons,” Bickerstaff said, according to Cleveland.com. “They just couldn’t find the time to come to terms with each other. All they did was figure out a way to compete. I’m proud of the players for overcoming adversity, coming together and fighting and doing things like tonight. I would like to give you great credit for putting yourself in this position.”
Bickerstaff was reportedly on Cleveland’s radar earlier this season as the team struggled early in the season.
Cleveland finished in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 48 wins and 34 losses, defeating the Orlando Magic in seven games in the first round.
According to multiple reports, several players have publicly and privately questioned Bickerstaff’s guidance, including rotations, playing time and scheme.
The drama surrounding Mitchell and Bickerstaff leaves Cleveland heading into perhaps its most important offseason since 2018, when LeBron James left Cleveland to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Nobody said I’m not (a coach),” Bickerstaff said after the game, “so I’m going to keep playing until they tell me not to.”
