Report: Cavaliers, Nets May Not Be Able To Execute Isaac Okoro Trade

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets may not be able to execute a sign-and-trade deal involving Isaac Okoro.

“I just don’t think [a sign-and-trade] can even happen right now after the salary stuff has all shifted out,” Fischer said. “I don’t think Brooklyn has the room to make that happen. And bringing back Dorian’s like $14 million would be challenging for that first apron stuff that we’re talking about with Cleveland in general.”

The Cavaliers are interested in Nets forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson. Brooklyn is rebuilding after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks.  

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. 

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. 

According to NBA reporter Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers have made Okoro multiple offers “what they deem fair.”

“Sources say the Cavs have already made multiple variations of what they deem fair, multi-year offers that align with Okoro’s perceived market value and his place within the hierarchy of the organization,” Fedor reported. “Those potential deals also give him financial security.”

The Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 204 playoffs in five games, while the Nets missed the postseason.