CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Larry Drew has agreed to a new contract to be the team’s interim coach for the remainder of this season.
Drew had asked the team to restructure his deal if he was going to take over after Tyronn Lue was fired. Drew wanted some guarantees and security during a rebuilding season for the Cavs, who are 1-8 entering Monday night’s game in Orlando. Drew had been serving as the team’s acting coach while his agent negotiated with the Cavs.
The awkward situation with Drew came on top of the team’s poor start, All-Star forward Kevin Love undergoing surgery and guard J.R. Smith wanting to be traded. Also, former assistant Jim Boylan filed an age discrimination lawsuit against the Cavs.
The team holds an option for next season with Drew, the club’s top assistant since 2016.
General manager Koby Altman said Drew “brings important experience and many qualities that we expect to translate well with our team.”
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