Chuma Okeke has carved out a unique path in the NBA, marked by resilience and adaptability. As of 2025, the 26-year-old forward finds himself on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster, aiming to contribute to a championship-contending team after stints with the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and the G League’s Westchester Knicks.
His journey—from a torn ACL in college to becoming a versatile NBA role player—reflects his determination to overcome setbacks. This article breaks down Okeke’s net worth, contract details, career earnings, and the key moments that have defined his basketball journey.
Chuma Okeke’s Biography
| Full Name | Chukwuma Julian “Chuma” Okeke |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 18, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Education | Westlake High School (GA), Auburn University |
| Nationality | American (Nigerian descent) |
| Height | 6’8″ (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 229 lbs (104 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Salary (2024–25) | $257,206 |
| Career Earnings | $15.3 million |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Children | None known |
| Instagram Profile | @chuma_okeke |
| Twitter Profile | @chuma_okeke |
Early Career
Chuma Okeke’s early basketball career is a story of talent, hard work, and resilience. Born on August 18, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia, Okeke began showcasing his skills at Westlake High School. As a junior, he led his team to a Georgia Class 6A state championship, scoring 13 points in the final game against Pebblebrook High School.
His senior year was even more impressive, as he averaged 24.4 points, 15 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game. These performances earned him the prestigious title of Mr. Georgia Basketball and established him as one of the top recruits in the nation. Recognized as a consensus four-star recruit, Okeke was ranked among the top 50 players in his class by several scouting services.
After high school, Okeke committed to Auburn University, where he continued to develop his game. In his freshman season (2017–18), he made an immediate impact, averaging 7.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while coming off the bench in all 34 games. His ability to rebound stood out, as he recorded the most rebounds by an Auburn freshman since Jeff Moore in the mid-1980s.
By his sophomore season (2018–19), Okeke had become a key starter for the Tigers, starting all 38 games and significantly improving his stats. He averaged 12 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 38.7% from beyond the arc.
Okeke’s sophomore season was highlighted by Auburn’s historic run to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four—the first in the program’s history. His versatility on both ends of the court was crucial to the team’s success.
However, his journey took a challenging turn during a Sweet Sixteen victory against North Carolina when he tore his ACL after scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in that game. Despite this setback, Okeke’s performance throughout the season earned him spots on the SEC All-Tournament Team and the All-Midwest Regional Team.
Professional Career
Chuma Okeke’s professional career began when he was selected 16th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2019 NBA Draft. Despite being considered a lottery pick, his draft stock fell due to an ACL injury sustained during the 2019 NCAA Tournament. The Magic viewed him as a long-term investment and signed him to a G League contract with their affiliate, the Lakeland Magic, for the 2019–20 season while he recovered from his injury.
Okeke officially joined the Magic for the 2020–21 season, where he made an immediate impact as a versatile forward. He averaged 7.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his rookie season, with notable performances like his career-high 22 points against the Portland Trail Blazers in March 2021. His defensive skills and three-point shooting made him a valuable role player.
Okeke’s second season (2021–22) saw further improvement, as he averaged 8.6 points and 5 rebounds per game. On February 25, 2022, he scored a career-high 26 points in a win over the Houston Rockets, showcasing his scoring potential. However, injuries and inconsistencies began to hamper his progress in subsequent seasons.
By the 2023–24 campaign, his role diminished significantly, with reduced playing time and averages of just 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. The Magic declined his qualifying offer after the season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
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In August 2024, Okeke signed with the New York Knicks but was waived before the season began. He later joined their G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, where he excelled with averages of 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game across 33 appearances.
His strong performances earned him two separate 10-day contracts with the Philadelphia 76ers in February and March of 2025. During this stint, he played seven games for the Sixers, averaging 6.9 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting an impressive 45.5% from three-point range.
Chuma Okeke’s Net Worth Details
Chuma Okeke’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million as of 2025.
Contract
Chuma Okeke’s current contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, signed in April 2025, is expected to be a short-term veteran minimum deal for the remainder of the 2024–25 NBA season. This type of contract is common for players with his level of experience and provides him an opportunity to showcase his skills on a playoff-contending team.
After impressing during two 10-day contracts with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the season, Okeke demonstrated his ability to contribute as a versatile defender and reliable shooter, earning him a spot on Cleveland’s roster. His performance with the Cavaliers will likely determine whether he secures a more stable, long-term deal in the future.
Salary
Chuma Okeke’s salary for the 2024–25 NBA season totals $257,206. This amount reflects earnings from his two 10-day contracts with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the season, each valued at $128,603.
His current deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers is expected to be a veteran minimum contract for the remainder of the season, aligning with his experience level and providing him an opportunity to contribute to a playoff-contending team. While his earnings this season are modest compared to previous years, they represent a continuation of his efforts to secure a stable position in the league.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Orlando Magic | $3,121,080 |
| 2021–22 | Orlando Magic | $3,277,080 |
| 2022–23 | Orlando Magic | $3,433,320 |
| 2023–24 | Orlando Magic | $5,266,713 |
| 2024–25 | Philadelphia 76ers | $257,206 |
| Total | $15,355,399 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Magic | 45 | 7.8 | 4.0 | 2.2 | 41.7% | 34.8% |
| 2021–22 | Magic | 70 | 8.6 | 5.0 | 1.7 | 37.6% | 31.8% |
| 2022–23 | Magic | 27 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 1.4 | 35.2% | 30.2% |
| 2023–24 | Magic | 47 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 35.7% | 28.0% |
| 2024–25 | 76ers | 7 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 1.9 | 54.5% | 45.5% |
| Career | 196 | 6.3 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 38.3% | 31.8% |
FAQs
1. When and where was Chuma Okeke born?
Chuma Okeke was born on August 18, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. His full name is Chukwuma Julian “Chuma” Okeke. He grew up in Fairburn, Georgia, before eventually attending Westlake High School in Atlanta.
2. What is Chuma Okeke’s height and weight?
Chuma Okeke stands between 6’7″ and 6’8″ tall (201-203cm) and weighs approximately 229 pounds (104kg). His size and athleticism have helped him excel as a forward in both college and professional basketball.
3. What is Chuma Okeke’s ethnic background?
Chuma Okeke has Nigerian heritage through his father, Chuka Okeke, who is from Nigeria. Chuma was born in the United States but maintains connection to his Nigerian roots as an American basketball player of Nigerian descent.
4. What college did Chuma Okeke attend and how did he perform?
Chuma Okeke played at Auburn University for two seasons. As a freshman, he averaged 7.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game coming off the bench. In his sophomore season, he improved to 12 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while starting all 38 games.
5. What major injury did Chuma Okeke suffer during his college career?
Chuma Okeke tore his ACL on March 29, 2019, during Auburn’s Sweet 16 victory over top-seeded North Carolina in the NCAA tournament. Despite his absence afterward, Auburn advanced to its first Final Four appearance in program history.
6. When and where was Chuma Okeke drafted?
Chuma Okeke was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019. Though considered a potential lottery pick before his ACL injury, his selection was still notable as ESPN analyst Mike Schmitz called him the “steal of the draft.”
7. What teams has Chuma Okeke played for professionally?
Chuma Okeke has played for the Orlando Magic (2020-2024), Westchester Knicks (G League, 2024-2025), Philadelphia 76ers (on 10-day contracts in February-March 2025), and most recently signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in April 2025.
8. What high school did Chuma Okeke attend and what did he achieve there?
Chuma Okeke attended Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He won the Georgia Class 6A state championship as a junior, scoring 13 points in a 68-58 win over Pebblebrook High School. In his senior year, he was named Mr. Georgia Basketball after averaging 24.4 points, 15 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game.
9. What are Chuma Okeke’s career-high scoring performances?
In the NBA, Chuma Okeke scored a career-high 26 points on February 25, 2022, in a 119-111 win over the Houston Rockets while playing for the Orlando Magic. In the G League during the 2024-2025 season, he recorded multiple 30-point performances, including games with impressive all-around statistics.
10. How would Chuma Okeke describe his own playing style?
In his own words, Chuma describes himself as “an unselfish player” who likes “to get teammates involved” and “just likes to see everybody on the team happy.” He’s known for his versatility as a forward who can finish at the rim or step back and hit jumpers, combining scoring ability with defensive prowess.
