The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken another significant step toward solidifying their roster by locking in one of their promising young talents, Isaac Okoro. The franchise has agreed to a three-year, $38 million deal with the burgeoning star, ensuring Okoro remains a Cavalier for the foreseeable future. The new contract marks a significant milestone for the last remaining restricted free agent on the market.
Okoro, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has been a steadfast contributor to the Cavaliers since his entry into the league. Over the past season, he averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and growth on the court. Moreover, his shooting skills saw a noticeable improvement, with Okoro achieving a career-high 39.1% on 3.1 three-point attempts per game during the 2023-24 season. His increased accuracy from beyond the arc has added a critical dimension to his game and made him an invaluable asset in the Cavaliers' lineup. Starting 42 games last season, Okoro demonstrated his reliability and importance to the team's structure.
The Cavaliers' commitment to Okoro is part of a broader strategy to build a competitive squad centered around young talent. This off-season has seen the franchise make substantial financial investments to secure the future of its core players. Alongside Okoro’s deal, the Cavaliers agreed to 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 agreements underscore the organization's intent to create a cohesive and formidable team.
The season, despite its ups and downs, saw the Cavaliers making significant strides in their journey to re-establish themselves as a playoff contender. The team was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, yet this run marked several milestones. It was their first postseason appearance since LeBron James' second departure from the team. More impressively, Cleveland won a playoff series without LeBron James for the first time since 1993, a testament to the team’s progress and potential.
However, the end of the season also brought changes to the coaching staff. After the playoff exit, the Cavaliers decided to part ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff. In June, the team announced Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. Atkinson is known for his developmental acumen and strategic approach, qualities that align well with the Cavaliers' vision of nurturing young talent and creating a competitive team. His hiring signals a commitment to fostering the growth of players like Okoro, Mobley, and others.
The synergy between the team’s young stars and the new coaching leadership could be the catalyst for Cleveland's resurgence in the NBA. By securing Isaac Okoro and other key players, the Cavaliers are positioning themselves for a promising future, one where their investment in young talent and strategic leadership could pay significant dividends. With the off-season acquisitions and extensions, the Cavaliers have built a robust roster poised to challenge for higher accomplishments in the seasons to come.