NBA analyst Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report has identified the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz as the only teams capable of making a substantial offer to Cleveland Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro. Okoro, a restricted free agent, has not been assigned a major scoring role but recently concluded a season where he shot 39.1 percent from three-point range. His attributes include a 6’9” wingspan and consecutive seasons with an above-average defensive estimated plus-minus, making his three-and-D potential quite appealing. Despite these promising qualities, the Cavaliers seem hesitant to bring Okoro back, as he remains unsigned over a month into the offseason, with only the Pistons and Jazz having the cap space to extend a meaningful offer.
As a restricted free agent, Okoro has the option to re-sign with the Cavaliers or accept an offer sheet from another team, which Cleveland would then have 48 hours to match. Drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Auburn, Okoro has averaged 8.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 279 games throughout his career. His qualifying offer stands at $11.8 million, and should he sign it, he would become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. In the past season, Okoro played 69 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks while shooting 49.0% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc, and 67.9% from the free-throw line.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers have made several offers to Okoro that they consider fair and reflective of his market value and role within the team. These offers reportedly include multi-year deals that provide him with financial security. However, Okoro has yet to accept any of these proposals, leaving his future with the team uncertain as the offseason progresses.