ESPN REPORT: The Pacers Reportedly have Interest in a Cavs Wing

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro is a candidate to watch ahead of Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline.

Okoro is a quality defensive wing who can do just enough to contribute on offence, but the Cavaliers may face the luxury tax next season. That might influence any move Cleveland makes with the 2020 lottery pick, who is earning $8.9 million this season.

The Cavaliers are now second in the Eastern Conference, thus their trade motivations appear to be to improve. The Indiana Pacers, who completed a major trade earlier this season to acquire Pascal Siakam, are allegedly looking into potential Okoro moves.

“With that in mind, Okoro is expected to draw interest at the trade deadline,” he said. “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.”

Okoro was the fifth overall choice in the 2020 NBA Draft, which also included Pacers players Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, and Jalen Smith. Contributors in that age range are ideal for Indiana’s timeframe.

Okoro is an excellent wing defender, particularly on the perimeter, which makes him a versatile player. The blue and gold have recently improved their defence, and the Siakam-Nesmith tandem has done well in slowing down opposing frontcourts. However, if the Pacers are successful in acquiring Okoro, it would be a positive development.

Matching salaries would be difficult. A deal must also make sense for the Cavaliers, which complicates matters. Perhaps a deal with a third team or other Cleveland players would be beneficial, but as more parties become involved, transactions become increasingly difficult to execute.

Okoro averages 8.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game this season. He shoots 49.2% from the field and makes more than 37% of his outside attempts. The Auburn product spent his whole career with Cleveland.

Indiana is 28-23 this season. The trading deadline for the current NBA season is Thursday.