The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a decisive move to retain a key piece of their young core by agreeing to a three-year, $38 million deal with Isaac Okoro. The 22-year-old forward, who entered the offseason as the last remaining restricted free agent on the market, closes a critical chapter for the Cavaliers, who are committed to building a competitive squad around their emerging talents.
Isaac Okoro, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and made significant strides in his performance last season. Averaging 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game during the 2023-24 season, Okoro showcased his improving skills and growing importance to the team. Notably, he shot a career-high 39.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 three-point attempts per game, underscoring his development as a valuable two-way player. Additionally, Okoro started 42 games last season, solidifying his role as a reliable starter.
The Cavaliers' front office has been busy this offseason, making substantial commitments to securing their key players. Alongside Okoro’s new deal, the Cavaliers agreed to a three-year, $150 million extension with star guard Donovan Mitchell, a five-year, $224 million extension with promising forward Evan Mobley, and a three-year, $91 million extension with their formidable center, Jarrett Allen. These moves indicate the franchise's clear strategy of nurturing and investing in its young talent to remain competitive in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Despite their efforts, the Cavaliers saw their season end prematurely with a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics. This playoff run marked a significant milestone for the franchise, being their first postseason appearance since LeBron James' second departure from the team. Additionally, the Cavaliers won a playoff series without LeBron James for the first time since 1993, a testament to the growth and potential of their current roster.
However, the playoff exit led to major changes in the team’s leadership. Following their elimination, the Cavaliers parted ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff, a decision that signaled a desire for a new direction. In June, the organization appointed Kenny Atkinson as the new head coach. Atkinson is known for his developmental acumen and strategic approach, which the Cavaliers hope will further accelerate the growth of their young roster and lead to deeper playoff runs in the future.
The offseason moves by Cleveland underscore their commitment to building a robust and competitive team centered around a strong nucleus of young talent. With Okoro's contract settled, along with substantial investments in key players like Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen, the Cavaliers are positioning themselves for sustained success. Fans can look forward to seeing how this meticulously assembled squad will perform under the new leadership of Kenny Atkinson, who brings a fresh perspective and a reputation for maximizing player potential.
As the new season approaches, the Cavaliers' faithful have reasons to be optimistic. The blend of young stars and experienced coaching could spell the beginning of a new era for Cleveland basketball, one that aims to achieve success through development, strategic foresight, and a commitment to growth. With Isaac Okoro now firmly in the fold, the Cavaliers are ready to take the next step in their ambitious journey toward NBA prominence.