The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant commitment to their young core by agreeing to a three-year, $38 million deal with forward Isaac Okoro. This deal ensures that Okoro, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, remains with the team that he has been with for his entire career up to this point. Known for his promising defensive skills and improving offensive capabilities, Okoro was the last remaining restricted free agent on the market, making his re-signing a critical move for the Cavaliers.
Okoro’s new deal is part of a broader strategy by the Cavaliers to build a competitive squad around their young talent. In the same offseason, the team inked substantial extensions with core players Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Mitchell, who has become a franchise centerpiece, agreed to a three-year, $150 million extension, while Mobley, a cornerstone of the team’s future, secured a five-year, $224 million deal. Allen, one of the league’s more reliable big men, also received a three-year, $91 million extension. Collectively, these moves underscore the Cavaliers' commitment to their player development and long-term success.
Okoro has shown steady improvement throughout his young career. Last season, he averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, demonstrating his potential as a two-way player. Notably, he achieved a career-high shooting percentage of 39.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 three-point attempts per game during the 2023-24 season. This marked improvement in his shooting is a promising sign for the Cavaliers, who have been actively looking to add more spacing and scoring to their lineup.
Despite an impressive individual season, the Cavaliers' campaign ended in disappointment with a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics. This playoff run, however, was not without its milestones. It was the Cavaliers' first postseason appearance since LeBron James' second departure and marked the first time since 1993 that the team won a playoff series without James. These achievements provided a morale boost and a sense of legitimacy to the Cavaliers' rebuilding efforts.
In response to their playoff elimination, the Cavaliers made a bold coaching change, parting ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff and hiring Kenny Atkinson in June. Atkinson, known for his developmental acumen and strategic approach, is expected to guide the Cavaliers' young core to further growth and success. His track record suggests he has the capability to maximize the potential of players like Okoro, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen.
The re-signing of Okoro, coupled with the extensions of Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen, signals a definitive shift in the Cavaliers' strategy. The organization is clearly betting on continuity and the maturation of their homegrown talent. By securing their key players, the Cavaliers are setting the foundation for what they hope will be an era of sustained success and competitiveness.
As the Cavaliers move forward, the contributions of Isaac Okoro will be closely watched. His development, particularly on the offensive end, could be a key factor in the team's quest to make deeper playoff runs and ultimately contend for championships. Nevertheless, the collective effort and growth of the Cavaliers' young core, under the guidance of Kenny Atkinson, present a hopeful future for a franchise eager to return to the upper echelon of the NBA.