When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in 2018, the franchise had no foundation to fall back on. The Cavaliers did have the Brooklyn Nets first round pick that year from the Kyrie Irving trade as well as their own future draft picks.

"When LeBron left, we just fell flat on our faces because we just weren't rooted in anything," a team source told ESPN. "We weren't rooted in anything foundational in terms of culture or team-building or player development.

"We were just rooted in the culture of LeBron."

Three brutal seasons followed, producing a combined 60-159 record. General manager Koby Altman, whose first year in the role coincided with James' final season in Cleveland, used that difficult stretch to define his team-building approach. The priority became player development and attracting players who genuinely wanted to be with Cleveland.

The rebuild gained traction in 2021 when they acquired center Jarrett Allen, landed the third overall pick and drafted Evan Mobley, then added Lauri Markkanen via trade. In September 2022, Altman moved swiftly to acquire Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz.

"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."

Cleveland now carries the NBA's largest luxury tax bill at $68.7 million, the first time owner Dan Gilbert has paid the tax since James departed. Altman's stated goal, sources told ESPN, is sustainable success built entirely without planning for a third James homecoming.