The Cleveland Cavaliers have Isaac Okoro firmly back in the fold after agreeing to sign him to a three-year, $38 million deal this weekend.
However, the contract discussions between the Cavs and Okoro were lengthy for a reason. There were never reports about there being any animus between the two. Nonetheless, the two parties had different opinions about his value, Cleveland looking to pay him as low as $8 million per season and Okoro looking for a contract up to $15 million per season.
It only makes sense that the Cavs had a backup plan in place. One option was Okoro playing out the season after signing his qualifying offer, becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Another would’ve been moving him in a sign-and-trade.
Cavs Free Agent Isaac Okoro Had Sign-And-Trade Suitors
According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets were among the teams interested in a sign-and-trade for Okoro.
The Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets were among the teams who expressed interest in acquiring restricted free agent Isaac Okoro via sign-and-trade before he agreed to a three-year, $38 million deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources told @hoopshype. https://t.co/qE2PUxa6MP
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 14, 2024
So far as Brooklyn is concerned, the Cavs were said to have interest in Nets forwards Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Cleveland has been looking for a dependable 3-and-D player to man the four-spot for them for years. Dean Wade is streaky and injury-prone. Georges Niang’s on-ball defense leaves a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Johnson and Finney-Smith are reliable outside threats and even better defenders.
With Johnson and Finney-Smith making $22.5 million and $14.9 million respectively next season, the biggest obstacle may have still been finding the right number for Okoro. Nonetheless, at 24 years old, he fits the Nets’ timeline better than either. As more of a wing than a forward, he also provides high-level defense at a position of need.
The Hornets’ interest in Okoro has merit as well. Though they’re further along in their rebuild, they’re another young team. Charlotte also has a sincere desire to improve defensively, which is where Okoro would help them the most. Frankly, he may have even challenged for a starting spot in-between cornerstones LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Looking at the Hornets’ roster, Josh Green would’ve been the most likely targets. Acquired by Charlotte in an offseason trade with the Dallas Mavericks, he and Taj Gibson are their only veterans who haven’t had a good chance to click with the team. Furthermore, Green will make $12.7 million next season.
Yet, Green is arguably better than Okoro. He’s not as assertive, versatile, or potent as a defender. However, he’s a career 37.5 percent 3-point shooter and a reputable perimeter defender. While he isn’t necessarily elite at either end, he’s consistent.
Grant Williams, who the Hornets traded for last season, is another option. Williams will make $13 million next season.
While he played some small-ball center for Charlotte, he’s a stretch-forward willing to take on tough defensive assignments. Off the court, there are controversial questions about his likability. Yet, he’s an individual whose interests and personality would seem to align Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley’s.
If the Cavs engage either team in trade discussions regarding Okoro in the future, these are likely the names to watch.
