In a significant move to bolster their young core, the Cleveland Cavaliers have secured a three-year, $38 million deal with Isaac Okoro, the last remaining restricted free agent on the market. This agreement underscores the Cavaliers' commitment to building a competitive squad around promising talent.
Okoro's Rising Profile
Isaac Okoro, who has spent his entire career with the Cavaliers, was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Since entering the league, Okoro has shown steady development, highlighted by his performance last season where he averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Furthermore, he showcased his improving offensive capabilities by shooting a career-high 39.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 three-point attempts per game during the 2023-24 season.
Okoro's consistency and resilience on the court were evident as he started 42 games last season, earning a coveted role within the team. His re-signing is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the Cavaliers have a stable and dynamic presence on the wing.
Commitment to Core Players
The Cavaliers' offseason strategy indicates a strong focus on retaining and nurturing their young nucleus. Beyond Okoro's new deal, the team has also reached substantial agreements with other key players. During the offseason, the Cavaliers secured a three-year, $150 million extension with Donovan Mitchell, a five-year, $224 million extension with Evan Mobley, and a three-year, $91 million extension with Jarrett Allen. These moves are clear indicators of the team's intent to keep their foundational talents in Cleveland for the foreseeable future.
Postseason Progress and Coaching Changes
Entering the postseason after years of rebuilding, the Cavaliers demonstrated significant progress last year. They reached the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Boston Celtics. This campaign marked Cleveland's first postseason appearance since LeBron James' second departure from the team and their first playoff series win without James since 1993. These milestones reflect the team's upward trajectory and the effectiveness of their developmental strategies.
However, not all changes were celebratory. Following their playoff exit, the Cavaliers made the difficult decision to part ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff. In June, the organization brought in Kenny Atkinson, known for his developmental acumen and strategic approach, to lead the team forward. Atkinson's hiring is aimed at ensuring continuous growth and maximizing the potential of Cleveland's youthful roster.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers are clearly building for sustained success with a blend of seasoned veterans and burgeoning stars. Okoro's re-signing, alongside the extensions of Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen, suggests a promising future for the franchise. As they gear up for the upcoming season under Atkinson's guidance, the Cavaliers are poised to solidify their standing as a formidable force in the NBA's Eastern Conference.
This commitment to continuity and development sets the stage for a potentially exciting era in Cleveland basketball. With a stable core and strategic leadership, the Cavaliers' trajectory points toward further playoff successes and perhaps, a return to championship contention in the coming years.