The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially re-signed restricted free agent Isaac Okoro to a new three-year, $38 million contract, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 23-year-old forward, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, had been a restricted free agent and was the last remaining player on the market in that category. This deal comes just weeks before the start of training camp and caps off a busy offseason for the Cavaliers.
Okoro’s Role and Development
Known primarily for his defense, Okoro has been a key component of Cleveland’s roster since he entered the league. While his offensive production has been inconsistent, he made noticeable strides last season, posting career highs by shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and fill in during critical moments, such as when Evan Mobley missed time due to injury, has proven his versatility.
In the 2023-24 season, Okoro averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists while starting 42 games. His defensive skills make him a valuable asset, but if he can continue improving his outside shooting, he will become even more critical to Cleveland’s long-term success.
With Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell starting on the wings, Okoro will be relied upon to bring defensive intensity off the bench.
A Busy Offseason for Cleveland
Okoro’s re-signing is just one piece of the puzzle for a Cavaliers team that has been making moves all summer to solidify its core. Cleveland previously secured major contract extensions for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell (three years, $150 million), rising star Evan Mobley (five years, $224 million), and center Jarrett Allen (three years, $91 million).
These moves show Cleveland’s commitment to building a sustainable, competitive team for the future. The Cavaliers also made a significant change on the sidelines by hiring former Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach, replacing J.B. Bickerstaff.
Atkinson’s experience and player development expertise should help the team as they aim to make a deeper playoff run this season.
Looking Ahead for the Cavaliers
With Okoro back in the fold, the Cavaliers are poised to build on the momentum of their last two seasons. They made the playoffs in 2023, marking their first postseason appearance since LeBron James’ departure, and advanced to the second round last year, something the team hadn’t done without James since 1993.
The challenge now is to take the next step and contend for a conference finals berth or even an NBA title.
Cleveland has the talent to do so, especially with players like Mobley continuing to develop offensively. However, the Eastern Conference is packed with tough competitors, so the road to success won’t be easy.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
Local News
Comments / 0