Sixers officially name former Cavs GM Mike Gansey president of basketball operations

The Mike Gansey era in Philadelphia is officially underway.

The 76ers announced Thursday that the former Cavaliers executive has been hired as the franchise’s new president of basketball operations, making official a move that was first reported last week.

Gansey replaces Daryl Morey atop Philadelphia’s basketball operations department after spending the past 15 years with the Cavaliers organization.

“Today’s announcement of the hiring of Mike Gansey is an important step in our desire to take the Philadelphia 76ers to the next level,” Sixers managing partner Josh Harris said in a statement. “Mike has built a reputation as a tremendous leader and relentless worker who has a sharp eye for basketball talent.”

Gansey rose steadily through Cleveland’s front office ranks, serving in a variety of scouting and executive roles before being promoted to general manager under president of basketball operations Koby Altman in 2022.

During Gansey’s tenure, the Cavs rebuilt from a lottery team into an Eastern Conference contender, highlighted by multiple playoff appearances and this season’s trip to the conference finals.

Bob Myers, who helped lead Philadelphia’s search process, said Gansey separated himself from other candidates.

“He commands respect, has an impressive basketball IQ, and is well respected across players, coaches and fellow executives,” Myers said. “He has all the attributes necessary to shine in this role.”

Gansey also issued a statement thanking the Cavs, including Altman and owner Dan Gilbert, while expressing excitement about his new opportunity.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Josh Harris, David Blitzer and Bob Myers for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity with such an iconic franchise,” Gansey said. “To the fans, this is not a responsibility I take lightly.”

Gansey added that preparations are already underway for the NBA Draft, free agency and the 2026-27 season.

The 76ers are expected to formally introduce Gansey during a press conference Monday.

Gansey is a native of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, and played college basketball at West Virginia University. He was a member of the Mountaineers team that advanced to the Elite Eight in 2005, knocking off Chris Paul’s Wake Forest club along the way. That WVU team was coached by John Beilein.