Koby Altman would have welcomed a LeBron James reunion in Cleveland, but the Cavaliers’ president of basketball operations is treating the star’s choice of Philadelphia as one missed opportunity—not a disruption to the club’s larger build.
Cavaliers stay on course after James chooses Philadelphia
James signed with the 76ers following eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, ending the possibility of a third run in Cleveland. Rich Paul said in July that Cleveland was the only team to sit down with James, with Miami and Golden State also in the final group.
Altman said the Cavaliers had to be prepared for more than one outcome, particularly with training camp set to open next week in Independence. He pointed to the organization’s player base, coaching group and performance department as reasons Cleveland can keep moving without James.
- James previously led Cleveland to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances during his second stint.
- The Cavaliers won their first championship in 2016.
- His 2018 departure began a new phase for the franchise, one Altman believes has produced a sustainable contender.
- Cleveland has reached 50 wins in each of the last two seasons.
- The Cavs made the Eastern Conference Finals last season for the first time since 2018 before New York swept them in four games on its way to the title.
Altman’s view is that Cleveland’s offseason can be judged by its broader work: improving the roster, protecting future flexibility and keeping a competitive window open. In his assessment, the front office checked those boxes even without landing the most recognizable player in team history.
A wing addition and two major extensions
The Cavaliers reacted quickly once James made his decision. Their most significant outside addition was Peyton Watson, acquired from Denver in a five-team trade before agreeing to a four-year, $88 million deal.
Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year extension worth $273 million on the opening day of free agency. James Harden, acquired near the trade deadline, followed with a three-year, $97 million extension. Harden’s new contract helped Cleveland work below both salary-cap aprons, giving the front office more maneuverability than it otherwise would have had.
| Move | Terms | Roster impact |
|---|---|---|
| Peyton Watson acquired | Four years, $88 million | Addresses Cleveland’s need on the wing |
| Donovan Mitchell extension | Four years, $273 million | Keeps a central offensive leader in place |
| James Harden extension | Three years, $97 million | Maintains a veteran creator while improving cap flexibility |
Watson’s defense stands out in early workouts
At 24, Watson joins a younger core that includes Evan Mobley, 25, Jarrett Allen, 28, and Jaylon Tyson, 23. Mitchell, 30, and Harden, 37, remain Cleveland’s veteran leaders, giving the Cavs a mix of established creators and players still rising into larger roles.
Watson made a career-high 40 starts for the Nuggets last season and posted personal bests of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He also shot 41% from 3-point range.
Coach Kenny Atkinson said Watson’s defense has been the first thing to show up in gym sessions. Atkinson also sees offensive upside, noting that the 3-point shooting came over only one season but could translate well within Cleveland’s system.
Harden has also made an early impression. Atkinson credited him for arriving roughly three weeks before camp and helping arrange player workouts, a useful early signal as the Cavaliers prepare to carry their conference-finals finish into a new season.
Cleveland sees itself as the team to chase
The Cavaliers have not drawn the same offseason attention as several East rivals. The Knicks are entering their championship defense, Philadelphia added both James and Jaylen Brown, Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Indiana expects a healthier group with Tyrese Haliburton back.
Altman does not see the relative quiet around Cleveland as a slight. His concern, he said, would be different if the club lacked talent or had flaws in its daily process. Instead, he views the Cavs as a team that has already reached the league’s final four and one that rivals must improve to catch.
The message from the front office is straightforward: Cleveland did not get James, but it retained its top stars, added a needed wing, created financial room and believes last spring’s finish is a floor rather than the destination.
