REPORT: Cavaliers Swingman Name To Watch Ahead Of NBA Trade Deadline
There are about 72 hours left until the NBA Trade Deadline and many questions still need to be answered around the league. We've already seen some big names such as Pascal Siakam get moved, but things always feel like they ramp up closer to the deadline.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are an interesting team heading into the deadline. On the one hand, they've been playing some of their best basketball over the last month, but on the other, there are still some holes that could be filled.
Isaac Okoro is one player on the Cavs who could reportedly be a name to monitor if Cleveland decides to be active, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Oct 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
This may come as a surprise to some Cavaliers fans as Okoro played tremendous basketball over the last month and stepped into the starting lineup amid Darius Garland's injury.
However, his current impact is only part of the equation here. One reason that Cleveland could look to move Okoro, according to Scotto, may come down to the financial implications surrounding him.
Scotto elaborated on the predicament the Cavs could find themselves in this summer if they don't move Okoro at the deadline.
"One general manager who spoke with HoopsHype already believes Okoro can get around $14 million annually –- which would be more than the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception – thanks to his improved 3-point shooting while also being an All-Defensive team candidate, as teammate Donovan Mitchell recently noted."
Okoro is eligible for the qualifying offer this summer making him a restricted free agent.
Scotto went on to point out that Cleveland could risk dipping into tax for 2024-25 depending on what the market for Okoro is during free agency.
Again, Okoro has been playing outstanding basketball over the last month and a half and this Cavaliers team is going to need someone of his caliber if they hope to make a deep playoff run this spring.
