Cavs Decline Option on Chuma Okeke, Making Him Free Agent

The Cavaliers are moving on from forward Chuma Okeke, declining his team option and making him an unrestricted free agent, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Okeke, 26, originally entered the league as the No. 16 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Magic and spent the bulk of his early career in Orlando. He signed with the Cavs late last season following short stints with the Knicks’ G League affiliate and the injury-depleted 76ers.

While he appeared in just two regular-season games and three playoff contests for Cleveland, he showed flashes of what he can offer, particularly as a versatile defender and capable outside shooter. However, with limited opportunity and a crowded frontcourt rotation, the Cavs opted not to guarantee his deal for 2025–26.

Before joining the Sixers and then Cleveland, Okeke averaged 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks in the G League with the Westchester Knicks. He shot 35.9% from three in that span and filled a do-it-all forward role that teams around the league may still find intriguing.

Though he only logged 38 total minutes in a Cavaliers uniform, Okeke will now enter free agency with experience, upside and recent production at both the NBA and G League levels.

Cleveland is eyeing several other moves, perhaps focusing on a big man, with free agency now underway.

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