The Cleveland Cavaliers and Isaac Okoro remain at an impasse.
As the summer inches closer to an end, there is a strong belief that Okoro, a restricted free agent, will end up back in Cleveland. The Cavs have offered Okoro a $11.8 million qualifying offer, but he is holding out for a multi-year deal.
Last month, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that the Cavaliers have made Okoro multiple multi-year offers that they deemed fair.
“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,” Fedor reported. “Those potential deals also give him financial security.”
However, Okoro apparently believes that these offers are a little low, as it has been reported the 23-year-old would receive between “$8 and $10 million” in these deals. Okoro, coming off his best NBA season, made $8.9 million per season.
Trade Talks Surrounding Restricted Free Agent Expected To Heat Up Closer To The Opening Of Training Camps
Here is an interesting question: Would Okoro have found a home if he had been an unrestricted free agent instead of restricted? The answer is probably yes.
Okoro is versatile, capable of playing everything but the 5, and known for his defense. He has improved his 3-point shooting in each of his four NBA campaigns and set career highs in assists, blocks,three-point makes, and three-point shooting percentage.
Okoro averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 27.3 minutes over 69 starts, including 42 starts. The 6-5 wing knocked down 1.2 treys with shooting splits of 46.7/39.1/67.9%. He scored in double-figures 32 times, topping the 20-point mark once.
Why Hasn’t Okoro Found A New Home?
There are likely a few reasons. Besides wanting a multi-year contract and a salary that he deems appropriate, other teams were probably worried that the Cavaliers would match. So, other teams instead looked at filling most of their spots with players they knew could sign.
Cleveland has open roster spots with 12 players on standard contracts and 11 fully guaranteed. Sam Merrill has a non-guaranteed deal. The Cavaliers have a new coach in Kenny Atkinson, and are $9.7 million below the luxury tax. The Cavs do have depth issues on the wing.
So, the Cavaliers have more than enough room to sign Okoro to retain Okoro for the upcoming season If Okoro does return on the qualifying offer, the Cavs would still be over $5 million below the first apron with just one spot to fill. Okoro would likely be the third player off the bench for the Cavs this year, behind Caris LeVert and Georges Niang. However, given Okoro’s versatility, he could be the first or second reserve.
While the Cavs have offered Okoro a multi-year deal, the offer shows some hesitancy in their belief in him. There may be a few reasons for this.
Okoro struggled during the Cavaliers’ postseason run last year. He produced just 5.5 points on 5.8 shot attempts, with shooting splits of 35.7/25.7/77.8. He scored in double figures in three of the 12 playoff contests and registered a -2.6 plus/minus rating, the sixth-best of all Cavs players.
Also, Cleveland will have salary issues in the coming years after extending Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell. As a result of those moves, Cleveland has at least $179 million committed in salaries in each of the next three seasons. The Cavaliers have $180.9 million committed to nine players in 2025-26.
What Is Next?
Cleveland has attempted to trade Okoro. The Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets engaged in trade talks recently, with the Cavs targeting Dorian Finney-Smith. Clutch Points Evan Dumrell reported that the deal likely fell through as the Nets and Cavs were working through tight financial margins.
Obviously, Okoro could sign the Cavaliers one year tender and continue to bet on himself. He could also could agree to a multi-year deal with Cavs, which seems unlikely.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes that Cleveland will continue to look to find a trade partner.
“ The Cavs have hard-lined with another restricted free agent Isaac Okoro. I think there’s only been a little bit of talking back and forth (between the Cavs and Okoro),” Windhorst said. “I’m sure it will increase as we get closer to training camp. The Cavs are realizing that all the money is spent out there. Okoro has the option of taking his qualifying offer.I am told the Cavs made a multi-year offer, whatever that’s worth, so it’s kind of a no-brainer they would make a multi-year offer.”
So, who would be interested in Okoro?
Brooklyn could re-engage with Cleveland. The Cavs are also reportedly interested in Cam Johnson.
Detroit, currently led by former Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff, also makes a lot of sense. Perhaps the Cavs would be willing to take Tim Hardaway Jr. off the Pistons’ hands as he is on an expiring contract.
Washington, Toronto, and Memphis could be fits.
Washington could send Corey Kispert and Johnny Davis to Cleveland in exchange for Okoro. While the Cavs may prefer to keep Okoro, Kispert is an excellent 3-point shooter who can play three positions.
