Rumors

Altman said that Cavs second-year player Jaylon Tyson "is going to be a big part of what we do, especially on (a rookie scale contract)." Altman said the team needs his tenacity, and that his ability to break into the rotation during his just second year in the pros speaks to his work ethic.

Akron Beacon Journal

The remaining goals for Altman, who is on his third extension since becoming GM and signed a multiyear deal after last season, sources told ESPN, is to build sustainable success and win championships -- without relying on or planning for a third stint with James to make that happen. "I've grown very fond of this organization because I've seen the steps toward winning both on and off the court and then it just feels peaceful," Mitchell told ESPN. "It feels connected even through stressful times, even through last year's loss [to Indiana]. Like, it was tough, but coming into this year it was like, 'All right. Let's do it.' "When you're all on one accord in that regard, it's definitely easy. ... Or easier."

ESPN

What followed were three painful seasons, going 60-159, before the climb began. Altman, whose first year as general manager coincided with James' last with the franchise, used the time to cement his philosophy for team-building, sources told ESPN. The Cavs would win again through player development, and through the collective spirit of finding players who looked at Cleveland as a preferred destination. It took some time to settle in. Since Altman took over for his mentor, former Cavs GM David Griffin, Cleveland has cycled through the 10th-most rostered players of any team, according to ESPN Research. "I think early on we were searching," a Cavs team source told ESPN.

ESPN

Altman pounced, putting together a trade to send Markkanen, Sexton and three unprotected first-round picks to land Mitchell. And Cleveland took off from there. "Four years without him, in the rebuild: one play-in game," a team source said of Mitchell. "Four years with him: four playoff appearances, three second-round appearances, a conference finals appearance."

ESPN