4 Cleveland Cavaliers who may not be back next season

Isaac Okoro may not be back next season

This pick is going to be more shocking to many of you, especially since Isaac Okoro is under contract for one more season before hitting restricted free agency. If they want, the Cavaliers can keep him around for two more seasons, and likely a strong extension offer this summer could get Okoro locked up long-term.

Okoro has continued to develop as a player, adding strength to battle wings without losing any of his agility on-ball; he’s in the 90th percentile in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus at his position, at times guarding fast guards like Ja Morant and Tyrese Maxey, and at others checking larger wings like Jayson Tatum or Mikal Bridges. On offense he has grown too, shooting a career-best 36.3 percent from deep and with the highest 3-point attempt rate of his career.

Why would he not be back next season? Despite Okoro’s growth, he is a poor fit at the small forward position on this team; they need a larger player who can more easily check those big wings like Tatum, and they need one who can stretch defenses with his shooting. Okoro tries his best, but he isn’t that player.

That will likely mean the Cavs don’t want to pay a hefty price tag on an extension. Other teams who need a defensive 2 and have better floor spacing at the 4 or 5 could look to add Okoro as a fine fifth starter. Cleveland could trade him for value now, instead of risking a long negotiation next summer that turns into Okoro walking or playing on the qualifying offer. Adding a player who fits better over Okoro also makes it less likely they want to pay him, so moving him this summer could make sense.