4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency

Free agency has dwindled down throughout the NBA – save for some rumored trades that have been in the news cycle, most teams’ rosters appear to be solidified for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been hard at work this offseason strengthening their roster. While the Cavs have added some impressive firepower to the squad in the forms of Max Strus and Georges Niang, along with bringing in some more depth with the likes of Ty Jerome and Damian Jones – it is never too early to look ahead to the next season.

Looking ahead to 2024, there are very few star level talents that would elevate a team to the next level. However, there is a considerable amount of players that can fill a certain role for a team, and play well enough to contribute to the team’s overall success.

This particular piece will examine four free agents the Cavs should consider taking a swing at in 2024.

Starting off the list, let’s talk about someone Cavs fans already know quite well.

To start off this list of free agents, we don’t have to look much further than The Land itself. Isaac Okoro is set to become a restricted free agent in the 2024 offseason, meaning the Cavs could match any offer another team presents to Okoro and his camp. While Okoro might not be a guy that would be at the top of everyone’s list for free agent targets – losing him could be more detrimental for Cleveland.

Okoro’s main strengths on the court have always been found on the defensive side of the ball. Last year he would average 2.9 defensive rebounds and 1.2 steals per-36 minutes. Isaac’s ability to adapt to an opposing team’s offense and switch on his targets also brings an intangible value to the Cavs. Okoro is able to make use of his keen adaptability to keep opponents on their toes, and limit them in transition. As Okoro continues to build on his defensive tactics on the court, he can provide Cleveland with a role player that can be plugged in at various situations.

With the arrival of Max Strus to the Cavs – it seems like the team finally has their starting small forward they can count on. However, last year Isaac Okoro finally began to take the next step into embracing his potential role as a three-and-D guy for the Cavaliers. With his change in position out of the backcourt into small forward, Isaac Okoro has spent more time living in the corners on the court taking more three-point shots. Those three-pointers have improved each year, with Okoro shooting at an average of 36 percent from beyond the arc.

Unfortunately though Isaac’s average points per game have dwindled since his first year in Cleveland – as he put up 9.6 points per game as a rookie, but only managed to provide 6.4 points per game last season. If Okoro can get back to form with his scoring, and continue to build on his three-point shooting – he can potentially be a reliable three-and-D player for the Cavs off the bench.

Cleveland would be wise to keep Isaac Okoro in 2024 free agency – if he can embrace the next step into becoming a true three-and-D guy, the Cavs would have a formidable threat to pit against opposing teams on both sides of the court.

Now things could trend the other way and Okoro’s potential might not be something that can be reached within the Cavaliers’ timeline. If that is the case, Cleveland could still find some creative ways to improve their roster by signing and trading him to another team that would be willing to take the chance on waiting for his potential. Regardless of the outcome, Isaac Okoro is a free agent the Cavs should keep their eye on for 2024.

For the next free agent, Cleveland should look at building upon their offensive firepower by bringing in another shooter.