Isaac Okoro said his offseason trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Chicago Bulls represents “a blessing,” giving the 24-year-old wing an opportunity to redefine his role after five NBA seasons in Ohio.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi, Okoro explained that both he and the Cavaliers were ready for a change. “I think for both parties, (Cleveland) probably wanted to change,” he said. “For me, I wanted to change.”
Cleveland selected Okoro fifth overall in the 2020 draft, valuing his perimeter defense. Last season his playing time dropped to a career-low 19.1 minutes per game, and he averaged just 14.2 minutes in the postseason.
The summer trade—sending Okoro to Chicago in exchange for veteran guard Lonzo Ball—opens the door for a larger role with a club aiming to rebuild its defensive identity. “It’s a new chance for me to bring the leadership I’ve learned in five years in Cleveland and try to help this team,” Okoro said.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan told the Chicago Sun-Times that the deal addressed needs for both organizations. “We needed some physicality, and Isaac brings that to the table,” Donovan said. “Where the Cavaliers are now, trying to make a deep playoff run, this shores up their backcourt a little bit more.”
Okoro summed up his outlook simply: “New city, new system, same effort. I’m just looking at it as a fresh start, a chance to show everything I’ve been working on and help this team win.”
Source: Hoops Wire
