Cavs extend qualifying offers to Okoro and Bates

The move makes both Okoro and Bates restricted free agents heading into the offseason.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will reportedly extend qualifying offers to forwards Isaac Okoro and Emoni Bates according to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. The moves make Okoro and Bates restricted free agents heading into the offseason, meaning the Cavs can match any offer they may get from another team.

The decision on what to do with Okoro is one of the key questions the Cavs face this offseason. His qualifying offer is $11.8 million, though he could get a more lucrative offer from another team with cap space. Despite not living up to his draft position, Okoro is an integral piece of the team. The Auburn product just had the best three-point shooting season of his career (39.1%) while continuing to be a stout wing defender. He may not be a star or even a starter, but the Cavs should prioritize finding a way to keep Okoro on a reasonable deal.

Okoro appeared in 69 games last season for the Cavs, starting 42 of them. He shot 40% on corner threes last season, up from 24% the season prior per Cleaning the Glass. The continued improvement in shooting the basketball, coupled with the defense, makes Okoro a slow-progressing but important member of the rotation. There will certainly be a market for the 23-year-old.

Bates’ future is less certain, but the Cavs clearly have some level of interest in keeping him. The 20-year-old Bates has limitless shooting range and unparalleled confidence, but he lacks refinement in other areas of his game. Another season with the Cavs’ G League team would do Bates some good as he continues to grow into an NBA-caliber player.