The Cleveland Cavaliers have strengthened their roster by sealing a three-year, $38 million deal with Isaac Okoro. As the last remaining restricted free agent on the market, Okoro's commitment underscores the Cavaliers' dedication to building a competitive squad centered around young talent.
Selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro has spent his entire professional career with the Cavaliers. Throughout his tenure, he has become a key player for Cleveland, starting 42 games last season and providing solid contributions on both ends of the floor. Last season, Okoro posted averages of 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Impressively, he shot a career-high 39.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 three-point attempts per game during the 2023-24 season, showcasing his development as a reliable perimeter shooter.
The Cavaliers' commitment to securing and nurturing young talent extends beyond Okoro. The franchise has made significant financial commitments to several of its core players this offseason. Donovan Mitchell, who has quickly become the face of the team, agreed to a three-year, $150 million extension. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley, another future cornerstone, inked a five-year, $224 million extension. Not to be outdone, Jarrett Allen secured his future with the Cavaliers through a three-year, $91 million extension. These moves highlight the franchise's intent to build a competitive team that can compete in the playoffs for years to come.
Building a cohesive and talented squad is crucial for the Cavaliers, especially in light of their recent playoff experience. The team was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. Despite the early exit, this playoff run marked significant milestones for the franchise. It was the Cavaliers' first postseason appearance since LeBron James' second departure from the team. More notably, the Cavaliers won a playoff series without James for the first time since 1993, a testament to the growth and potential of their young roster.
Following the playoff exit, the Cavaliers decided to part ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff. In June, they hired Kenny Atkinson as the new head coach. Known for his developmental acumen and strategic approach, Atkinson's arrival is expected to further enhance the growth of Cleveland's young core. His previous experience and success in developing young players align well with the Cavaliers' current trajectory.
The Cavaliers' front office has clearly placed a premium on building a sustainable and successful team. By locking in young talents such as Okoro, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen to long-term deals, they are ensuring that the team's competitive window remains open for the foreseeable future. Fans of the Cavaliers have much to look forward to as the team continues to evolve and strive for greater success in the challenging landscape of the NBA.
The road ahead will undoubtedly feature its own set of challenges, but the Cavaliers have laid a strong foundation. With a blend of young talent and experienced leadership, the team is poised to build on its recent successes. Under the guidance of Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers hope to take the next step in their journey towards becoming a perennial playoff contender.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland to see how their young stars develop and how the team performs under new leadership. The Cavaliers have re-established themselves as a competitive force in the NBA, and their fans can look forward to an exciting and promising future.