The Cleveland Cavaliers have been busy this offseason. They have made some waves with extension deals with Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell. But the Cavs are still items to be completed on their summer checklist, including one that involves guard/forward Isaac Okoro, who is a restricted free agent.
An offer for the former Auburn Tigers star has been reportedly put on the table by the Cavs, but a trade appears to still be a possibility, with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype mentioning the Brooklyn Nets as a potential landing spot for Okoro.
“The Nets are among the teams considered a sign-and-trade possibility for Okoro, though nothing is considered imminent with Brooklyn, sources said. As previously reported by HoopsHype, Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has drawn trade interest from Cleveland and has come up in discussions for Okoro, sources said. Cleveland is also intrigued by Cam Johnson, according to reports.”
The Cavs have flexibility with Isaac Okoro since they can match any offer he would get in the market, plus they also have full Bird Rights on him. However, it must also be noted that Cleveland is near the border of the luxury tax. At the moment, the Cavaliers have a little over $17 million of space under the first apron and close to $29 million below the second apron.
Another thing to consider for the Cavs if they are intent on keeping Okoro is how they will ensure that stay under the luxury threshold. As noted by Scotto, that kind of scenario could mean an eventual split with Caris LeVert or Georges Niang via trades.
“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’s owed $16.7 million through the next two seasons, is a close friend of Mitchell, which is worth noting.”
Okoro, who was selected by the Cavs in the first round as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has developed a reputation as a capable 3-and-D weapon. In the 2023-24 NBA season, Isaac Okoro averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks, while shooting 39.1 percent of his 3-point attempts through 69 games.
