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Report: Bickerstaff joins Beilein on Cavs' bench as associate HC

Edward A. Ornelas / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Cleveland Cavaliers hired JB Bickerstaff as an associate head coach on Sunday, reports ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, citing sources.

Cleveland was determined to pair Bickerstaff with new bench boss John Beilein, a novice head coach at the NBA level, and will make him one of the league's highest-paid assistants, Wojnarowski adds.

Bickerstaff was a popular name in coaching searches in recent weeks. He reportedly met with the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings regarding potential lead assistant roles, but he was ultimately convinced to sign with Cleveland.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin notes Bickerstaff's father, Bernie, has spent several years serving as a consultant for the franchise.

Bickerstaff was fired from his role as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies at the end of the regular season. He managed a 48-97 record over two seasons. He was also Houston Rockets head coach during the 2015-16 campaign and had stints as an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets (then known as the Bobcats).

The Cavaliers hired Beilien to be their next head coach in a surprise move in early May after parting ways with interim boss Larry Drew. Beilein spent the last 12 seasons in charge of Michigan, guiding the Wolverines to nine NCAA Tournament appearances and making the Final Four twice.

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