The Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to take over ownership and operation of an NBA Development League franchise. The team announced Thursday that it has acquired ownership of the former New Mexico Thunderbirds and plan to move the team to Canton.
“We’re very excited to welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers to a rapidly expanding group of NBA teams realizing the advantages of an exclusive relationship with their NBA D-League affiliate,” said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. “The combination of supportive city leadership and an outstanding organization in the Cavs leads us to believe the future of the team in Canton is very bright. We thank Sam and Jackie Bregman, as well as the fans in New Mexico, for their support of the Thunderbirds organization during the team’s six years in the Albuquerque area.”
The Cavaliers also become the ninth NBA team to have a ‘one-to-one’ affiliate in the NBA D-League, the NBA’s official minor league. And the Cavs are the fifth NBA team – along with L.A. Lakers, Golden State, Oklahoma City and San Antonio. – to operate a D-League team. As owners, the Cavaliers will control all basketball operations and business elements of the franchise.
“Having the ability to own and operate a D-League franchise in Canton once again illustrates ownership’s outstanding commitment to creating a culture of success,” said Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant. “Player development is at the core of our process and being able to operate our own franchise so close to home will place us in the most strategic position to take an active part in the player development process.”
The Cavaliers are asking fans to submit nicknames for the new team, which will play next season at the Memorial Civic Center.
“We are very excited and looking forward to a great partnership with the City of Canton, fans and the surrounding community,” said Cavaliers President Len Komoroski. “We have a strong connection with the Canton regional market and we are excited to further engage our fans with a first-class basketball and entertainment experience. We will be active in the community and will work hard to earn support from our fans here.”
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