After securing All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell with a new deal, the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to enter the upcoming season as contenders in the Eastern Conference. However, promising wing Isaac Okoro, a former lottery pick, is reportedly being linked to the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason.
Before joining the NBA, Okoro had a successful high school basketball career at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia. During his senior season, he led his team to a state championship and a national ranking.
Okoro was considered a top recruit and committed to playing college basketball at Auburn University. As a freshman, he was named to the Second-team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team. Following his successful college season, Okoro declared for the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In his rookie season, Okoro demonstrated promise as a potential two-way wing player, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He has remained a key rotation player for Mitchell and the Cavaliers in his early years, showcasing his defensive prowess while steadily improving his offensive skills. Okoro’s blend of athleticism, perimeter defense, and developing scoring abilities has made him a crucial part of the Cavs’ young core as they aim to return to the playoffs.
**Brooklyn Nets Emerge as Possible Landing Spot for Cleveland Cavaliers’ Isaac Okoro**
The defensive-minded guard has entered the offseason as a restricted free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers retaining his rights. According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, there’s a strong possibility that Okoro could join the Brooklyn Nets next season.
“The Nets are among the teams considered a sign-and-trade option for Okoro, though no deal is currently imminent with Brooklyn,” Scotto reported. “As previously noted by Hoops Hype, Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has attracted trade interest from Cleveland and has been discussed in potential deals for Okoro. Cleveland is also reportedly interested in Cam Johnson.” Last season, Okoro averaged 9.4 points on 39% shooting from the field, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. While his offensive rating of -1.8 is underwhelming, his defensive rating of 0.7 highlights his effectiveness on that end of the court. It remains to be seen where Okoro will end up when the new season begins. Regardless, the Cavs will be looking to maximize his contributions in their quest to improve as the NBA season resumes later this year.