Restricted free agent Isaac Okoro is one of the top remaining unattached players on the board. But it sounds like the 23-year-old forward will find a landing spot at some point before the start of training camp. The main question is where he will play, as Okoro has multiple suitors, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have tendered him a $11.8 million qualifying offer.
Okoro is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. Known for his defensive versatility, the 2020 No. 5 overall draft pick has improved offensively in his first four seasons. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 rebounds in 69 appearances, including 42 starts. He also drained a career 1.2 treys a game while shooting 49% from the field and a career-high 39.1% from deep.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recently reported that the Cavaliers would like him back but at the right price.
Cleveland likes Okoro. It values him- to a point. Wants him back — at the right price. Sources say the Cavs have already made multiple variations of what they deem fair, multi-year offers that align with Okoro’s perceived market value and his place within the hierarchy of the organization. Those potential deals also give him financial security.
Multiple Teams Reportedly Interested In Trading For Young Restricted Free Agent
Cleveland’s multi-year offer to Okoro is believed to have been between $8 million and $10 million a season, though the exact figure is unknown. While those figures are $11.8 million and below his qualifying offer, it is presumed he will get a raise over the $8.9 million he made last season—it makes sense if the per-year deal is around $10 million.
However, it appears that Cleveland has competition for Okoro’s per HoopsHype Michael Scotto. Scotto reported yesterday that multiple teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, have expressed interest in a sign-and-trade for Okoro. Scotto added that teams could earn an annual salary north of the mid-level exception ($12.8MM) if a sign-and-trade comes to fruition.
Okoro does have options, which Scotto went through.
Sign A New Contract With Cavaliers
Cleveland owns Okoro’s full bird rights, meaning the Cavaliers can offer him more money than any other team. The Cavaliers have two or three open roster spots, depending on whether they want to carry 14 or 15 players, and could use some wing depth. The Cavs are $9.7 million below the tax line this year, though the more significant issue is next year and beyond.
Cleveland already has around $180 million committed to nine players in 2025-26, as Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley’scontract extensions kick in.
If Okoro agrees to a multi-year contract, it could have a rippling effect. Scotto gave these thoughts if that were to occur.
Assuming Cleveland wants to avoid the luxury tax this upcoming season and Okoro stays, it most likely means that Caris LeVert or Georges Niang would have to be traded. LeVert is entering the final season of his contract worth $16.6 million and is a favorite of new head coach Kenny Atkinson. Niang, who showed $16.7 million through the next two seasons, is a close friend of Mitchell, which is worth noting.
Of course, the Cavs could sign Okoro to use him as a trade chip down the line.
Sign The Qualifying Offer
Okoro could accept the CCavaliers’one-year qualifying offer. In doing so, he would assure himself of a substantial raise from last season. He would also have a no-trade clause, which he could use to dictate where he ends up if the Cavs wanted to trade him. Of course, Okoro would be taking some risk at accepting the qualifying offer, as he would be a free agent next season.
If any team does offer above the Cavs’ Qualifying Offer, Scotto said that league officials believe Cleveland would match any offer up to the mid-level exception.
Cavs Could Work Out A Sign-and -Trade
Cleveland could work out a sign-and-trade for Okoro. This could end up being a win-win for the Cavaliers and Okporo. As the Cavs could get a better player and Okoro could make more money.
It is being reported that the Nets and Cavs have discussed a Dorian Finney-Smith for Okoro trade. This trade potentially makes sense for both teams. Finney-Smith is similar to Okoro in that he can play multiple positions and is known for his defense. Finney-Smith has been a target for the Cavaliers, who have two more years and nearly $30 million left (next season is a player option), and is more of a three-point threat than Okoro.
Brooklyn is rebuilding, so Okoro would fit nicely in that process. In the first two years, he would theoretically be cheaper than Finney-Smith.
It has been said that Cleveland also has an interest in Cam Johnson. Johnson is much more expensive, with three years and $69 million left on his deal, and would likely cost the Cavs future assets. So, given the Cav’s current financial situation, Johnson seemingly doesn’t work at this time.
Who Else Could Make A Run At Okoro?
Detroit, San Antonio, Utah, Oklahoma City, New York, New Orleans, Portland, Indiana, and Memphis could make a run at Okoro. But the Knicks, Raptors, Kings, Thunder, and Pelicans don’t seem to be a fit at the present time.
Detroit has 14 players on standard contracts and is one of the few teams with cap space available (over $9 million). Okoro would project to backup Tobias Harris at the four for the Pistons.
San Antonio has 15 players on standard contracts. But the Spurs could swing a deal for Jeremy Sochran and Julian Champaignie for Okoro. The Cavs would save money and fill their most pressing needs. Sochran is an outstanding, versatile player with a defensive pedigree. While Sochran is not a shooter, that is Champaignie’sspecialty.
Meanwhile, the Spurs would get a strong defender and another reliable shooter.
Utah has three open roster spots, and they need to get to the floor as their player salaries are just above $108 million. Okoro could be a little bit of insurance if the Jazz trade Lauri Markkanen.
Portland doesn’t necessarily make sense unless the Cavaliers are interested in Shaedon Sharpe. The Blazers are said to be willing to trade the 2022 No. 7 overall pick.
Indiana has 15 players on standard contracts, though Kendall Brown and James Wiseman have nonguaranteed deals. The Pacers have their non-taxpayer midlevel exception and are over $16 million from being hard capped at the second apron. The Pacers could use some quality defenders.
Memphis has an open roster spot. The Grizzlies have the non-tax midlevel exception and are over $15 million below the first apron. However, Luke Kennard is the favorite to take the final roster spot.
