Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang are players that the Cleveland Cavaliers could potentially move to upgrade the roster this season, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
“As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Scotto wrote. “However, Cleveland is slightly over the luxury tax threshold by roughly $1.8 million, so shedding a small contract could help extend the team’s financial window with this group.
“Otherwise, Caris LeVert’s $16.62 million expiring contract, Georges Niang, Isaac Okoro, and Cleveland’s future 2031 first-round pick may come up in trade rumors leading into February if Cleveland wants to upgrade for a bigger wing. However, keep in mind coach Kenny Atkinson is close with LeVert and has been a big fan of his game since their Brooklyn days together. Niang brings toughness to the Cleveland locker room and is a close friend of [Donovan] Mitchell. Okoro also is one of the team’s top perimeter defenders.”
Cleveland is off to a fast start in the 2024-25 season, winning 18 of its first 21 games, so it’s possible that it decides to keep this roster together through the trade deadline.
After all, the Cavs extended the contracts of Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen this past offseason, a sign that they believe in the core of the roster.
Still, it appears that LeVert, Niang and Okoro are the most movable players on the roster given their contracts and their roles on the team.
This season, LeVert is averaging 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from beyond the arc in 14 games. LeVert’s 3-point shooting has been huge for the Cavs, as he’s never shot over 40 percent from 3 in a season in his career, yet is over 45 percent this season.
Niang, who signed a three-year deal with the Cavs prior to last season, has appeared in all 21 of the team’s games and is averaging 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from 3.
Since he can shoot the 3 from the forward spot, Niang gives the Cavs some spacing next to Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen when those players share the floor.
Lastly, Okoro returned to the Cavs this offseason after entering free agency as a restricted free agent. A strong defender, Okoro is averaging 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 46.8 percent from 3 in 20.9 minutes per game.
He’s started 12 of the 19 games that he’s appeared in this season.
It’s possible that one of these players could become expendable for the Cavs, especially once sharpshooter Max Strus returns to the lineup.
However, it may not make sense to break up this roster given its early success unless there becomes a glaring need for Cleveland at the deadline.
