Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has signed a long-term contract extension, the team announced Friday.
Owner Dan Gilbert tasked Altman with reshaping the roster and organization post-LeBron James, which has included the drafting of a promising backcourt -- Collin Sexton and Darius Garland -- and the hiring of well-regarded University of Michigan coach John Beilein.
"Koby has been a culture-driver and an innovator who has built a fresh, new foundation and environment for our front office and team that inspires everyone involved," Gilbert said in a statement. "He is a passionate leader who is executing a very dynamic, strategic plan for the future of the team and our vision for growth and success. Koby's collaborative approach has also extended beyond the team and had a consistent, positive impact across our entire organization. I look forward to seeing his hard work and creativity continue to make us better and help guide the team towards reaching our goals for years to come."
Altman, 37, is the first GM of the Dan Gilbert ownership era to receive an extension. Gilbert bought the Cavaliers in 2005.
Altman was promoted to replace David Griffin in 2017, originally signing a three-year deal to run basketball operations.
The Cavaliers reached the NBA Finals in Altman's first season on the job.
"I'm truly humbled and excited to sign a long-term extension with the Cavaliers and I look forward to continuing the overall development and growth we are experiencing with this team," said Altman in a statement. "We have a first-class organization, led by our Chairman Dan Gilbert, an extraordinary fanbase and a great team behind the team, who provide incredible resources and opportunities for us to be successful. I'm also thankful to our players, coaches and support staff, who have shown continued trust and displayed their commitment to our process of establishing a sustainable and winning culture here in Cleveland. Northeast Ohio is a special place, and my family and I are thrilled to remain in this community for years to come."
Under Altman, Cleveland has placed a high priority on player development -- a key factor in the hiring of Beilein. Altman has been pursuing an environment reshaped around an influx of young players immersed in fundamentals. Along those lines, Altman has been assembling young assets and draft picks, acquiring four first-round and nine second-round picks since his promotion in 2017.
Altman was responsible for drafting three players in the first round of the 2019 draft, including Garland and forwards Dylan Windler and Kevin Porter Jr. Altman selected Sexton in the 2018 draft; he was voted a second-team All-NBA rookie.
The Cavaliers signed three players to extensions, including five-time All-Star Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr. and Cedi Osman. The team is 2-2 to start the season, including back-to-back home victories over Chicago and Indiana.