Former top-five pick could be traded due to uncertainty in Cleveland?

Isaac Okoro has shown significant improvements on the offensive end this season. Most notably, he’s emerging as a reliable perimeter shooter. When coupled with his high-level defensive skill set, Okoro’s development makes him a valuable player in the modern NBA.

Yet, according to Micahel Scotto of HoopsHype , the Cleveland Cavaliers could be open to trading their former top-five draft pick.

“In order to retain Okoro and keep the rest of their roster intact, the Cavaliers now have to consider their appetite for going into the tax for the 2024-25 season amid uncertainty surrounding Mitchell’s long-term future in Cleveland,” Scotto wrote. “With that in mind, Okoro is expected to draw interest at the trade deadline. The Knicks, Hawks, Pacers, Suns and Bucks are all teams to closely monitor as all are known to have interest in acquiring a two-way wing, league sources told HoopsHype.”

Mitchell’s unwillingness to speak on his long-term future has the Cavaliers in limbo. They can’t commit to retaining some of their rotation players without knowing he’s going to stick around. Otherwise, the franchise will be stuck with a costly team that doesn’t have a shot at contending for a championship.

As such, Okoro could be the first domino to fall. Cleveland won’t feel confident about paying him north of $12 million per year without knowing their star player will be around to help spearhead a push toward the Eastern Conference Finals.

Instead, the Cavaliers need to make short-sighted moves. Their decision-making process will likely be based on what gives them the best chance of success within the next 18 months. Mitchell has left the team in a precarious position. Okoro has long been viewed as a defensive piece of the Cavaliers’ future. Now, there’s a risk he could strengthen a direct conference rival.

However, the Cavaliers front office may resist the urge to trade Okoro and roll the dice on Mitchell’s future. After all, they can always pivot further down the line, no matter how risky that may be. There’s a lot to think about in Cleveland right now. What the Cavs do at the February 8 trade deadline will likely shed some light on the direction the franchise is heading in.