Former Auburn forward waiting out NBA trade rumors again

The NBA spotlight is currently fixed on the historic Knicks-Spurs title series, but for former Auburn star Isaac Okoro, the focus has shifted entirely to a familiar, uncertain offseason.

Navigating Trade Rumors

As Okoro settles into his offseason, he is once again preparing to tune out the persistent trade chatter that has followed him throughout his career. Since being dealt from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Chicago Bulls last year, the wing has learned to adopt a pragmatic approach to the business of the league.

"I think I’ll just control what I can control," Okoro said. "I’ll go into the offseason and try to figure out how I can be a better player for next season. It’s the NBA, it’s the business, and I can be traded again somewhere. I love being here, and I love the culture we’re trying to build."

The rumors have already begun to swirl. Chicago Sun-Times writer Joe Crowley recently suggested that Okoro could be a candidate for a move to the Los Angeles Lakers if the Bulls target a forward like Caleb Wilson or Cameron Boozer with the fourth overall pick in the June 23 draft.

A Season of Change

It was a whirlwind campaign for the former fifth overall pick. Despite battling injuries that sidelined him for 19 games, Okoro provided stability for a roster that saw 10 different players traded during a chaotic five-day stretch in February. Across 63 appearances, he started 62 times, averaging 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 26.9 minutes per game.

"It was definitely a unique season -- my most unique season yet," Okoro reflected. "But it’s the NBA. You’re going to have guys that go down to injury, players moved, and that can’t be an excuse."

Rebuilding in Chicago

The Bulls are officially in a period of transition after finishing 31-51 and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. The organization has overhauled its leadership, firing Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley while seeing head coach Billy Donovan resign. Bryson Graham has taken the helm as the new executive vice president of basketball operations.

Graham is eager to capitalize on the team's assets, which include four picks in this month's draft—the 4th, 15th, 38th, and 56th. "I think the roster, we’re in a developmental stage right now," Graham noted during his introductory press conference. "We’ve got a ton of flexibility this summer. And so we just want to be smart, and we want to be also creative and opportunistic."

As for Okoro, he remains under contract for one more season. He is set to earn a base salary of $11.815 million for the 2026-27 campaign as he looks to continue his development on the court.