Report: Pistons, Hornets, Jazz, Nets Interested In Cavaliers’ Isaac Okoro

According to NBA reporter Evan Dammarell of ClutchPoints, the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets are interested in Isaac Okoro.

Okoro is a restricted free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

“Sources tell ClutchPoints that the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets could all be teams still interested in signing Okoro this late into free agency,” Dammarell reported. “All four teams give Cleveland a few interesting options in a sign and trade, but it won’t be for anything astronomical either.

“Considering the value of Okoro’s position and what sources say Okoro is looking for, a realistic contract extension would likely be in the ballpark of a four-year, $54 million deal. That’s more money than what the Cavs want to pay Okoro, so they can make offers that may not thrill Cleveland with possible trade partners looming.”

Okoro appeared in 69 games for the Cavaliers this past season. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 49.0% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc and 67.9% from the free-throw line. 

As a restricted free agent, Okoro can either re-sign with the Cavaliers or sign an offer sheet with another team.

Cleveland would have 48 hours to match an offer sheet for Okoro.

The Cavaliers drafted Okoro with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Auburn. He has career averages of 8.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks in 279 games. 

Okoro’s qualifying offer is worth $11.8 million. He would become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if he signed his qualifying offer with the Cavaliers. 

Cleveland lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. Meanwhile, the Pistons, Hornets, Jazz and Nets missed the postseason this year. 

The Cavaliers hired Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley signed extensions with the franchise this offseason, but the front office hasn’t added any new players besides rookie Jaylon Tyson.