Johnnie Bryant is reuniting with Donovan Mitchell, however not in the best way the Knicks imagined.
Bryant, the Knicks affiliate head coach for the final 4 seasons, is leaving to affix the Cavaliers for a similar place beneath new head coach Kenny Atkinson, a supply confirmed.
Bryant had labored intently with Mitchell as an assistant with the Jazz.
His 2020 hiring by the Knicks — which was facilitated, in keeping with a supply, via govt William Wesley — was seen as a method to entice the All-Star guard to New York.
As a substitute, Mitchell was traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers in 2022 and lately signed a three-year max extension.
“I like [Bryant] to dying, man,” Mitchell instructed The Athletic earlier than Bryant went to the Knicks. “He’s a man who desires me to be one of the best. I met him in summer time league, and I had already heard quite a bit about him. In three years [with the Jazz], he’s pushed me previous my limits. He doesn’t inform me what I wish to hear. He tells me what I want to listen to. I simply can’t say sufficient about him and the way a lot he’s helped me.”
Bryant was widespread with former Knick Immanuel Quickley, who known as the assistant “one of many smartest coaches I’ve been round.”
Julius Randle credited Bryant with serving to him via an offseason psychological makeover that led to a 2023 All-NBA choice.
Bryant additionally had a robust reference to former Knick Alec Burks from their seasons collectively in Utah.
Burks signed with the Warmth in free company.
Thibodeau nonetheless has the assistants he employed and feels most snug with — together with Darren Erman, Rick Brunson, Daniel Brady and Andy Greer.
The employees has undergone some adjustments since Thibodeau took over in 2020. Bryant, Mike Woodson and Kenny Payne all left to take jobs elsewhere. Mo Cheeks joined this summer time.
The Cavaliers fired J.B. Bickerstaff after a second-round playoff elimination and employed Atkinson, the previous Nets coach.
Bryant additionally interviewed for the pinnacle teaching job in Cleveland.
It’s unclear if Atkinson and Bryant have a relationship, however the connection to Mitchell spoke the loudest with this transfer.
ESPN first reported Bryant’s leaving the Knicks for the Cavs.
