3 Cavaliers likely to be on a new team by the trade deadline

Trade option No. 2 – Isaac Okoro

When the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Isaac Okoro fifth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, they were still in the midst of a rebuild after LeBron James ended his second stint with the team.

Originally, this meant that Okoro had the chance to develop his game and discover his fit in the league. He was taken as a clear project player, but the Cavaliers seemed to have the time to take on his development.

Unfortunately for Okoro, Garland’s explosive third season and Mobley’s definitive rookie year has left Okoro’s role in limbo. The Cavaliers swiftly shifted into win-now mode, and bringing on Donovan Mitchell in 2022 further solidified this.

It is time that the Cavaliers do what is best for Isaac Okoro. He has repeatedly faced a barrage of impatient reactions to his lackluster long range shooting. While the former Auburn wing has shown improvement each season, his fit in Cleveland is gradually deteriorating.

Last season Isaac Okoro shot 36.3 percent from the arc after connecting on only 29 percent of his 3-point attempts in his rookie campaign. The volume of his shooting and overall average scoring has gone down in no small part due to the additions the Cavaliers have made since Okoro’s draft class. His defense and hustle has yet to fall, however. Okoro is a terrific teammate and effort player, something any rebuilding team would be elated to have.

Sending Okoro to a team that has the resources and timetable for him is the best option for both the Cavs and Okoro. His defensive impact will instantly empower any team’s identity. On a young, developing roster such as the Brooklyn Nets or San Antonio Spurs, Okoro’s value would be highly valued and appreciated.

Finally, trading this third Cavalier could be an inevitability, whether for better or worse.