As always, the Brooklyn Nets find themselves amid offseason NBA rumors. Buzz around the Nets picked up after they traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. The move set off a cascade of events signaling the Nets' investment in and development of young talent. Brooklyn confirmed their plans by acquiring former Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams amid other moves. Rumors suggest the Nets also had interest in a prized Cleveland Cavaliers contributor.
In mid-September, news broke that Isaac Okoro signed a three-year, $38 million contract extension with the Cavs. However, before that, the Nets were among teams who expressed interest in acquiring the defensive-minded wing, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.
Okoro passed on taking his qualifying offer with Cleveland to keep the Cavs' core together and compete for a championship, Scotto noted. With this information in mind, it is unlikely Okoro would have wanted to join the Nets. Yet, he would provided stout service had the Nets landed him.
Okoro averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, and shot a career-high 39.1 percent on his three-pointers during the 2023-24. Having a reliable wing defender like Okoro who can knock down outside shots would be a great aid to the Nets. Moreover, at 23 years old, Okoro fits the timeline of the young Brooklyn squad.
The Nets' interest in Isaac Okoro may not have materialized, but they have similar players who can perform Okoro's role.
Examining the Nets player who resembles Isaac Okoro's mold
Former Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams most closely fits Okoro's archetype. Like Okoro, Williams is 23 years old and has physical tools that easily disrupt offensive players. At 6'9", Williams has three inches on Okoro and possesses a wingspan two inches longer at 6'10". Williams has not shot as efficiently from deep range as Okoro, but the Nets are seeing growth in him.
The Grizzlies selected Williams with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 draft. However, Williams did not take the jump the organization expected. After averaging 8.2 points per game in 62 contests during his rookie year, Williams played just 37 games and shot a career-low 25.8 percent on three-pointers during his second season.
He bounced back during his third season, averaging 8.2 points, a career-high 0.7 steals, and shot 30.7 percent from range. Williams looks to take his game to another level as a prized rotation player with the Nets. If he continues to work hard, he will rebuild his value and contribute great things in the borough.