September is underway and NBA training camps will open in a few weeks. With the free agent market nearly at a standstill, a few key players remain on the market, undecided on their next move.
A Detroit Pistons Their rivals, the Cleveland Cavaliers, are still determining the future of former fifth overall pick Isaac Okoro.
A recent list of predictions of Bleacher Report Regarding the future of some of the top remaining free agents, Okoro remains with Cleveland for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Currently, Okoro is a restricted free agent. Earlier this summer, Cleveland reportedly offered Okoro signed a multi-year deal, but the veteran didn’t budge. The Cavs aren’t under any pressure to move Okoro, as they extended the $11 million qualifying offer on his contract.
But one ESPN An NBA insider reported last month that Okoro was a name to watch as the trade market formed. For now, BR Dan Favale believes the Cavs are the right team.
“The fit between these two teams continues to make sense,” Favale wrote. “… It’s important to get regular-season playing time. Plus, Cleveland doesn’t have anyone who can easily replace Okoro on defense against No. 1 and No. 2 contenders unless it puts its faith in rookie Jaylon Tyson.”
For what it’s worth, Favale mentioned the Pistons as a team with enough cap space to consider potentially acquiring the former fifth overall pick, but it was noted that teams like the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets “make a lot of sense.” Detroit was not mentioned in that category.
Since 2020, Okoro has played a role with the Cavs. From his rookie campaign to his fourth year, Okoro played in 279 games. Most of his appearances came as a starter, averaging 28 minutes of playing time.
Okoro has scored nine points per game while making 47 percent of his field goals. From three-point range, the veteran is averaging 35 percent. Last year, he hit three-pointers at a career-high rate, averaging nearly 40 percent while scoring nine points per game.
It seems like Okoro remains a name to watch on the trade market until he signs a new deal with the Cavs. For now, Okoro remains a direct rival of the Pistons.
