- Oct 16, 2026
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Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the organization was downcast after its pursuit of LeBron James ended with the star joining the Philadelphia 76ers instead.
Atkinson said that in the immediate aftermath, he felt depressed about the outcome.
James, who chose Philadelphia on July 24, appeared in a Sixers uniform as Cleveland opened its season Thursday against Philadelphia. The star had listed Cleveland, Minnesota, Miami, Golden State and Philadelphia as finalists, granting only the Cavaliers an in-person visit. He met with Koby Altman, Grant Gilbert and Brandon Weems before signing a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option. James posted on X that "Northeast Ohio will always (be) home!"
Atkinson credited Dan Gilbert and Altman for an aggressive pivot. The Cavaliers acquired forward Peyton Watson, 24, from the Denver Nuggets in a five-team sign-and-trade, surrendering Max Strus, Dennis Schroder, Tre Mann and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick. Watson signed a four-year, $88 million contract with Cleveland.
Source: ESPN - Thu Oct 22, 8:04 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).