Cleveland Cavaliers at Risk of Losing Top Executive Koby Altman This Offseason

The Dallas Mavericks are currently looking for a new leader in their front office.

And with team governor Patrick Dumont thinking big for the appointment, why does that involve, or concern, the Cleveland Cavaliers?

That’s because the Cavs’ President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, is among the names on the Mavericks hitlist of candidates.

According to SI writer Chris Mannix, Altman appears on Dumont’s wish list along with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti, Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly and Boston Celtics President Brad Stevens.

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly looking at names like Sam Presti and Brad Stevens to run the team, per @SIChrisMannix

“I’m told that Patrick Dumont, the team’s governor, is aiming high. Among the names on Dumont’s wish list, per league sources: Oklahoma City executive vice… pic.twitter.com/n6aIQubIuD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 31, 2026

Current Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has also expressed an interest, but according to Mannix, Dallas would prefer Kidd to stay on the bench to continue mentoring their superstar in the making, Cooper Flagg.

Why has Altman been pivotal to the Cavaliers?

Losing Altman would be a massive blow to the Cavaliers’ front office and to the team that has clinched a postseason spot and is inches away from a playoff spot.

Joining the Cavs in 2012 and promoted to President of Basketball Operations in 2022, Altman was tasked with ushering in a new era within the Cleveland organization following LeBron James's departure to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019. By then, Cleveland was rebuilding their roster and looking to the future.

The Cavs then made Donovan Mitchell their centerpiece when he arrived the same year Altman did, and before that, they traded Kyrie Irving for a package that included Isaiah Thomas and the draft pick that later became Collin Sexton.

Through Altman, the Cavs brought in J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach, and with his guidance, the Cavs have drastically improved their regular-season record. When he left in 2024, Kenny Atkinson was brought in and propelled the team to a No. 1 seed in the playoffs last season.

That was partly due to Altman’s clever signings and trade deals since the Covid era. He helped rebuild the roster with talent through the draft, including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Sexton. Altman also acquired Jarrett Allen, who has been a real force for the team since his arrival.

In short, Altman’s business has played a massive factor in the Cavaliers becoming a real contender, but they haven’t quite made that a true reality yet.

It’s clear why the Mavericks have listed Altman as a potential candidate to help lift them to the heights they reached with Luka Doncic on their roster before his shocking trade to the Lakers.

The offseason will certainly be interesting, with Altman, who is contracted with the Cavs through the 2027-28 season, having plenty to think about.