With the end of July nearing, Lauri Markkanen is the next big domino to fall either via a renegotiation and extension with the Utah Jazz or a trade to another team, as the league is seemingly in a holding pattern until then. Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram also has been a hot topic in trade chatter as he enters the final year of his contract. Other trade talks involving the Brooklyn Nets, including forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson, are also worth monitoring.
Meanwhile, in free agency, Cleveland Cavaliers’ restricted free agent Isaac Okoro is the top player available on the market according to our HoopsHype rankings. However, a decision on his future could come soon for the 23-year-old wing. Okoro could be dealt in a sign-and-trade deal, re-signed by Cleveland to a multi-year contract, or sign his one-year qualifying offer.
Okoro, the No. 5 overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, has become a notable 3-and-D wing after shooting a career-high 39.1 percent to complement his strong perimeter defense.
Below is a look at how all three scenarios could play out, where things stand now, and what the final decision could be.