As you may know, the Cavaliers have agreed to terms with forward Chuma Okeke, filling an open spot on the team’s 15-man roster. The deal includes a second-year team option, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Okeke, the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL before signing with the Orlando Magic in 2020.
Over four seasons with Orlando, the 6-foot-7 forward appeared in 189 regular-season games, averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 20.3 minutes per game.
After becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2024, Okeke spent most of the 2024-25 season with the Westchester Knicks in the G League. In 45 games, he averaged 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks while playing 36.5 minutes per game.
Okeke also saw brief NBA action earlier this year, appearing in seven games for the Philadelphia 76ers on two 10-day contracts in February and March.
Known for his defensive prowess on the perimeter, Okeke has made strides as a shooter this season. After struggling offensively in Orlando, where he shot 38.3% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range, Okeke has improved, hitting 36.2% of his three-pointers in the G League and 45.5% in his limited NBA appearances.
The Cavaliers have carried 14 players on standard contracts since the expiration of Nae’Qwan Tomlin‘s 10-day deal last month, meaning no roster cuts will be necessary to accommodate Okeke.
The exact terms of his contract are not yet known, but if the deal is for the veteran’s minimum, Okeke would earn $12,860 per day for the remainder of the season, which runs through April 13. The specifics of his contract will depend on when the signing is finalized.
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