For months, the The Cleveland Cavaliers The administration wasn’t positive if Isaac Okoro can be a long-term dedication. In consequence, the younger veteran’s identify was thrown round in commerce rumors all through the summer time. The rebuild Detroit Pistons might have been contenders.
However none of that issues at this level, as Okoro’s showdown with the group ends with a deal being struck.
In keeping with ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski, Okoro signed a three-year contract. He’s set to earn $38 million over that interval, with most of his wage assured.
In 2020, Okoro entered the NBA draft after a quick stint at Auburn. He was the Cavaliers’ fifth general decide that yr. Throughout his rookie profession, Okoro began in all 67 video games he performed. Offensively, Okoro averaged almost ten factors on 42% taking pictures. Defensively, he averaged one steal per recreation.
Okoro’s beginning function wasn’t assured the final two seasons. Nonetheless, he maintained enjoying time throughout his first 4 seasons in Cleveland. He completed the fourth yr averaging 27 minutes on the court docket in almost 70 video games. Okoro scored 9 factors per recreation on a career-high 39 p.c three-point taking pictures share.
This summer time, Okoro was a restricted free agent. Initially, it was reported that the Cavaliers had a multi-year extension on the desk, however it was rejected by Okoro. Whereas the Pistons have not typically been linked to the younger veteran as a possible commerce contender, they might have been a super match for the 23-year-old.
Okoro will as an alternative stay with division rival Detroit. With J.B. Bickerstaff main the Pistons, Okoro and the Cavs may have the possibility to play for former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson in 2024-25. Though Atkinson’s final stint as a head coach was over three years in the past, he helped a Brooklyn crew with low expectations earn a spot within the 2019 NBA playoffs. Atkinson’s tenure because the Nets’ head coach led to yr 4, as he resigned after the crew began the season with a 28-34 document.
After spending time on the bench with the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, Atkinson inherits a Cleveland crew able to making the playoffs. The Pistons will face Cleveland for the primary time on October 25.
