Veteran guard Caris LeVert suddenly finds himself on a playoff contender with his now-former Indiana Pacers team struggling to remain relevant this season.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that LeVert has been traded from Indiana to the Cleveland Cavaliers mere days before the NBA trade deadline.
For a Cavaliers team that has started the season with a surprising 32-21 record, this could end up being a major steal. General manager Koby Altman has already been active on the trade block, acquiring Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers following the season-ending ACL injury Ricky Rubio suffered.
Reports indicate that Indiana has picked up Rubio’s expiring contract, a first-round pick and two second-round picks in exchange for the 27-year-old wing.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NBA trade rumors
Caris LeVert traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, firming up rotation in the process
Cleveland has a tremendously talented young core group in that of first-time All-Star Darius Garland and potential NBA Rookie of the Year Evan Mobley.
The emergence of fellow big man Jarrett Allen coupled with the off-season acquisition of Lauri Markkanen have added another layer to this. Cleveland now nabs a two-guard to team up with Garland in the backcourt.
- Caris LeVert stats (2021-22): 18.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.4 APG, 45% shooting, 32% three-point
More than anything, the 27-year-old LeVert provides Cleveland with a capable mid-range shooter to go with what the team already has. Splitting time between the Nets and Pacers a season ago, LeVert averaged a career-best 20.2 points to go with 4.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists on 44% shooting.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NBA power rankings
Indiana Pacers acquire draft picks for Caris LeVert, signaling rebuild
As noted above, Indiana picks up a first-round selection and two second-round picks as well as Rubio’s expiring contract for LeVert.
The Pacers are currently 19-35 and boast the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference under first-year head coach Rick Carlisle. It’s rather obvious the status quo is not working for front office head Kevin Pritchard and Co.
In reality, this could be the initial stages of a long-term rebuild in Indiana. Previously, rumors suggested that the Pacers were listening to offers for Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. It remains to be seen if the team will make other moves ahead of the February 10 NBA trade deadline.
In terms of the specific picks heading back to Indiana, we have more information on that.
- 2022 lottery-protected first-round pick
- 2022 second-round pick (via Miami)
- 2027 second-round pick (via Utah)