The Miami Heat lost Caleb Martin in a perplexing manner over the summer and now must figure out how to replace the versatile wing’s minutes without losing too much in translation.
Martin joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $35 million contract after turning down a more lucrative offer from the Heat of $65 million over five years, a gamble that ultimately didn’t pay off. Isaac Okoro, a free agent recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is a potential replacement for Miami due to his similar size, skill set, and role to Martin’s during his time with the Cavs over the past four seasons.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report listed Okoro among the best remaining free agents on August 1.
“Okoro is just 23 years old and coming off a season in which he shot 39.1 percent from deep,” Bailey wrote. “When you combine that with a [6-feet-9] wingspan and back-to-back campaigns with an above-average defensive estimated plus-minus, it’s easy to become intrigued with his three-and-D upside.”
Okoro earned just over $29 million over four years in Cleveland after being selected with the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, the Cavaliers either want to part ways or are unwilling to meet Okoro’s contract demands, as the shooting guard/small forward has been eligible for an extension since July 2023 but has not signed a deal. Okoro averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the Cavs in 2023-24, while Martin put up 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists for the Heat. Okoro shot 39.1% from three on 3.1 attempts per game, while Martin hit 34.9% on 3.6 attempts per game.
Martin’s wingspan is just one inch longer than Okoro’s, allowing both to defend multiple positions across the guard and forward spots. Martin finished last season with a defensive rating of 113.3, while Okoro posted a mark of 114.9. The league average for defensive rating was 116.1.
The primary difference is that Okoro will turn 24 in the middle of next season, while Martin will be 29 years old before the campaign begins. Okoro, while slightly less productive than Martin in 2023-24, still has room to improve. Martin, on the other hand, is likely at his peak in his NBA career.
Bailey noted that due to current salary cap situations, the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz are the only two teams that can extend Okoro a “meaningful offer.” However, the Miami front office is known for its salary cap maneuvers, and the Heat coaching staff is highly regarded for developing talent—Martin being a recent example.
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Miami is also a top destination for players due to the city’s weather, nightlife, and culture. Despite being the 18th largest sports market in the United States, the Heat have been arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference over the past five years, making the playoffs each season, with three trips to the Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances.
As such, the franchise is attractive to a young player seeking a new home, better development, and a chance to shine on a competitive team. If Okoro fits that bill, he might be willing to accept a slightly lesser, shorter-term contract to rehabilitate his value and improve as a player.
Miami will meet Okoro halfway contractually, despite complicated details, and the Heat could use a player who can offer them 90%, or more, of Martin’s production last season.
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