Report: Donovan Mitchell, JB Bickerstaff ‘Didn’t See Things The Same Kind Of Way’

The Cleveland Cavaliers fired Bickerstaff after losing to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs.

Bickerstaff went 170-159 in the regular season and 6-11 in the postseason with the Cavaliers.

“They believe making this coaching change and going away from JB Bickerstaff is a step that shows Donovan that they’re trying to be proactive and better themselves as an organization,” Fedor said on The HoopsHype podcast with Michael Scotto. “They’re trying to make moves that make him happy.

“I think the relationship between Bickerstaff and Donovan they just didn’t see things the same kind of way. I don’t think it was an asset to the Cavaliers if they had kept JB from the standpoint of trying to convince Donovan to stay long-term. It was just not a fit between JB and Mitchell.”

One of the best scorers in the NBA, Mitchell is expected to sign a max contract extension with the Cavaliers this offseason. Cleveland will likely hire James Borrego or Kenny Atkinson as its new head coach. 

Mitchell can sign a four-year, $208 million extension this offseason. He is under contract for next season and has a $37 million player option for 2025-26.

A five-time All-Star, Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists this season while shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.8% from beyond the arc and 86.5% from the free-throw line.

The Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs in seven games but lost to the Celtics in the second round in five games. 

Mitchell has career averages of 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Jazz and Cavaliers. He scored a career-high 71 points last season against the Chicago Bulls.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Cavaliers prioritize offensive innovation and creativity in their coaching search.