Isaac Okoro is Now Extension-Eligible: Should Chicago Bulls Extend Him?

Last July, the Chicago Bulls acquired wing Isaac Okoro in a trade that sent injury-prone guard Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although Ball was a fan favorite, the trade was a net success for Chicago, as the former Bulls point guard struggled to regain form and is now a free agent.

Okoro wasn't quite the dominant 3-and-D player that many expected he'd be when the Cavs drafted him No. 5 overall in 2020, but he still had a decent year in Chicago last season. The 25-year-old started 62 games and played nearly 27 minutes per outing. With Okoro in the lineup, the Bulls went 26-37, compared to just 5-14 without him.

That's not a great record regardless, but it also accounts for the Bulls tanking toward the end of the season. Prior to February — and the front office's trade deadline fire sale — the Bulls were 23-18 with Okoro playing and 1-7 without him active.

Okoro is now extension-eligible as of Sep. 17, entering the final season of a three-year, $33 million contract he signed with Cleveland in 2024. The 6-foot-4 wing is set to make $11.8 million this season and will hit unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027.

Should the Bulls use their cap flexibility to lock him into their long-term future?

Okoro is coming off a down year at the three-point line, where his offensive production is most important. It was the main reason they Cleveland moved on from him after five seasons, and in 2025-26, Okoro shot just 33.0% from deep — the worst since his rookie year.

As beneficial as Okoro's switchability and niche defensive skills are — he led the Bulls with 14 charges last season — the offensive side of his game may leave too much to be desired for Chicago to commit to him for another three years.

Additionally, Okoro may be most useful as trade bait. His expiring contract will likely incentivize potential playoff teams to take a swing at his upside, while his $11.8 million salary could neatly slide into the mid-level exception for a financially constrained trade partner.

The potential downside of signing Okoro to a long-term extension is also risky. Okoro's three-point accuracy has declined in each of the past two seasons, and the Bulls already have an expensive non-contributor rostered in Patrick Williams. If Okoro's offensive play continues to dip, his defense and hustle won't be enough to earn him playing time.

Chicago's wing room is crowded as it is. Norman Powell will likely take the starting minutes, while No. 15 overall pick Dailyn Swain is projected to compete with Okoro for playing time. Okoro is far from "old," but given the Bulls' investment in their youth, Okoro's offensive struggles and the potential for Okoro to be traded during the season, it's a safe bet to assume the former top-five pick will not be extended by Chicago.