Cavaliers Explore Trades Okoro, Wade To Cut Salary Overages

The Cleveland Cavaliers are exploring trades involving forwards Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade as part of a strategy to manage their salary cap and luxury tax burdens, which currently exceed $31 million over the luxury tax line and $14 million over the second apron. Okoro, who has nearly $22 million remaining on his contract, and Wade, with an expiring $6.6 million deal, have both been identified as potential trade assets despite solid contributions in the past season. The team aims to re-sign free agents Ty Jerome and possibly Sam Merrill, but the salary cap constraints necessitate roster adjustments to accommodate these moves. Trade discussions have focused on shedding salaries and acquiring different types of assets, though teams have indicated they would require additional assets to absorb Okoro's contract. Alongside these financial considerations, the Cavaliers are also rumored to be targeting higher-caliber players like Brandon Ingram to strengthen their roster without sacrificing core stars such as Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. These maneuvers reflect the Cavaliers' commitment to balancing financial flexibility with competitive aspirations following a disappointing playoff exit.