The Cleveland Cavaliers have fired coach JB Bickerstaff, according to reports.
The 45-year-old led Cleveland to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but both runs ended before the Finals.
The Cavaliers were recently defeated by the Celtics in the conference semifinals, losing 4-1 to Boston.
And Thursday, ESPN reported that Cleveland has decided to fire Bickerstaff in hopes that a new coach can bring them closer to a second championship.
The Cavaliers’ one and only NBA Finals victory came in 2016. They have not won a conference title or division title since 2018.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly fired coach JB Bickerstaff following their loss to Boston.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Bickerstaff and his assistant coaches were still being evaluated, with no promise that they would be back with the Cavs next season.
Back-to-back playoff appearances and a first-round series win over the Orlando Magic in seven games worked in Bickerstaff’s favor and he said Cleveland was where he hoped to move forward.
When asked after the season-ending loss at Boston on Wednesday if he would consider coaching the Cavaliers next season, Bickerstaff responded: “I mean, nobody told me I wouldn’t do it . So I will continue to show up until they tell me not to.
The Cavaliers were recently defeated by the Boston Celtics in the NBA conference semifinals.
Bickerstaff, 45, was 170-159 in four-plus seasons with the Cavaliers. His playoff record in Cleveland was 6-11.
Roster decisions must be made before the end of June, including regarding All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who has one season remaining on his contract and a player option for 2025-26.
He is eligible to sign a four-year contract worth more than $200 million this offseason if he chooses to commit to remaining in Cleveland.
Mitchell, 27, averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game in the regular season. He did not play in Game 4 or Game 5 of the playoff series against the Celtics due to a calf injury.
