Isaac Okoro has agreed to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers on a three-year deal worth $38 million dollars, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Okoro has been key in elevating Cleveland’s defense since he was drafted in 2020. He’s a premiere point-of-attack defender who has frequently accepted the challenge of defending the opposing team’s best player.
Cleveland might not be fully satisfied with Okoro’s offensive development. He’s grown each season as a three-point shooter but has yet to earn enough respect to warrant a closeout from most opponents. Okoro’s limited scoring ability is likely a reason this contract situation wasn’t settled sooner than September.
Restricted free agent F Isaac Okoro has agreed on a three-year, $38 million deal to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Tellem, Jeff Schwartz and Marcus Monk of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. Okoro — the fifth overall pick in 2020 — averaged 9.4 points a season ago. pic.twitter.com/dFInx3QoMS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 14, 2024
The Cavaliers are walking a tightrope financially. Just this summer, the franchise has handed out max extensions to Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell — while offering another $91 million across three years for Jarrett Allen. Finding enough room to retain Okoro without facing any cap restrictions was always going to be a challenge.
Okoro’s salary will be roughly $12 million a year. This is right on par with other comparable, high-end role players across the NBA. Still, signing Okoro will put Cleveland into the luxury tax — continuing to pile onto an already heavy financial burden. Don’t be surprised if the Cavs search for ways to cut costs by offloading other assets at some point this season.
Notably, Okoro’s deal does not put the Cavaliers into the first apron. This is crucial for a team that might still need to tinker with its supporting cast before establishing itself as a true contender. First and second-apron teams are dealt severe roster-building limitations in this current CBA.
If there is a theme for Cleveland this summer, it’s commitment. The front office has placed complete faith in the internal growth of their roster. Okoro is the latest example of this.
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