Cavs reach deal with Larry Drew for rest of 2018-19 season

The Larry Drew contract saga is over.

As first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Drew and the Cavs have come to terms on a deal for the remainder of this season. Per Woj, the agreement does include a partial guarantee for next season for an unclear amount — meaning Cleveland will buy him out if they decide to go in a different direction. Per The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, none of the Cavs assistants were given guarantees for next year.

The Cavs announced Drew’s deal is a press release sent out on Monday.

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Coach Drew to continue leading the team on the court. He brings important experience and many qualities that we expect to translate well with our team as the head coach,” said Cavs GM Koby Altman in a statement. “We’re looking forward to the ways he can impact the team and help our players continue to grow and find success.”

Longterm, Drew is not likely to the coach — Woj reported that the Cavs are likely to do a full-fledged coaching search in the offseason. But in this arrangement, Drew gets some extra financial security and the Cavs have a coach who the players trust and who the veterans seem to believe in as well. This is in a win in chaotic season.