The Cleveland Cavaliers and restricted free agent forward Isaac Okoro agreed to terms on a three-year, $38 million contract Saturday afternoon, agents Michael Tellem, Jeff Schwartz, and Marcus Monk told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Cleveland Cavaliers extended a one-year offer worth $11.83 million to Isaac Okoro in June.
Okoro, 23, was selected fifth overall by the Cavaliers in the 2020 NBA draft out of Auburn. The 6-foot-5 Okoro was the last restricted free agent left on the market, according to NBA.com’s Free Agent Tracker.
Cleveland extended a one-year qualifying offer worth $11.83 million to Okoro on June 29. He reportedly declined the offer, which was set to expire on October 1. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Cavs were under the $10.4 million luxury tax cap before the signing. originally from Georgia.
Restricted free agent F Isaac Okoro agreed to a three-year, $38 million contract 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 last season. pic.twitter.com/dFInx3QoMS
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 14, 2024
In 279 regular season NBA games (216 starts) with Cleveland, Okoro averaged 8.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 27.6 minutes per contest while shooting a -46.7% from the field, 34.7% from three-point range, and 73.2% from the free throw line.
In 69 games (42 starts) of the 2023-24 season, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 27.3 minutes per contest. In addition, he shot 49% from the floor and a career-best 39.1% from beyond the arc.
Additionally, in Cleveland’s 113-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 27, 2023, Okoro recorded a season-high 22 points on 7-of-13 (53.8%) shooting from the field, 4-of-7 (57.1%) from deep, and 4-of-5 (80 %) in the dirty line.
Cleveland re-signed Isaac Okoro after already making deals with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
The signing of Okoro sets up a great summer for the Cavaliers. Cleveland received a contract extension with five-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell (three years, $150 million).
Team president Koby Altman then re-signed forwards Evan Mobley (five years, $224 million) and Jarrett Allen (three years, $91 million).
The Cavaliers also hired Kenny Atkinson away from the Golden State Warriors to replace JB Bickerstaff as head coach. Bickerstaff praised Okoro in April for his flexibility.
Updated Cleveland schedule pic.twitter.com/atSxxehI7h
– Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 14, 2024
“He has the ability to guard multiple positions. He knows how to patrol, he patrols,” said Bickerstaff. “And now you can see the confidence he has in his shooting, not just in the corners. You find ways to score in transition. … But he plays in a way that inspires his teammates.”
Last season, Cleveland finished 48-34 (.585) and fourth in the Eastern Conference.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Cavs defeated the Orlando Magic in seven games, advancing to the semifinals for the first time without LeBron James from the draft.
However, Cleveland was eliminated by the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in five games in the second round. The Cavaliers are aiming to reach the conference finals for the first time since 2018.
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