The Cleveland Cavaliers have pulled off a surprisingly successful 2021-22 NBA season. Evan Mobley has hit the ground running in his career, Darius Garland has emerged as an All-Star, and things, in general, have seemed to be clicking around the supporting cast—including a renewed energy and positive attitude from Kevin Love.
One of the main negatives to the Cavaliers’ season so far has been the significant toll injuries have taken to their backcourt depth. Collin Sexton tearing his ACL brought opportunity for Ricky Rubio, but he has long since gone down with a season-ending injury of his own.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a trade with the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Caris LeVert. The Pacers will receive Ricky Rubio, a lottery protected 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick (via HOU), and a 2027 second-round pick (via UTA).
As the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline nears, the Cavaliers remained focused on pursuing a combo guard to help fill the void left behind by the injuries to Sexton and Rubio. They found their solution.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Cavs-Pacers Trade Lands Caris LeVert In Cleveland
With Caris LeVert, there is always going to be a sense of inconsistency in his game-by-game performances. However, he seems to always grab the attention of admiration of observers when he pulls off a big game like he did against the Chicago Bulls on Friday—finishing with 42 points, five rebounds, and eight assists while shooting 73.1% from the floor.
It has been a solid 2021-22 season for LeVert as he’s averaging 18.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 44.7% from the floor and 32.3% from beyond the arc. He isn’t an efficient spot-up threat, but at 6-foot-6, he offers a shot creation threat and playmaker with some size.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Cavs-Pacers Trade Lands Caris LeVert In Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers had been reluctant to meet the lofty asking price the Indiana Pacers have held for Caris LeVert in previous trade talks but they reached an agreement in the end.
It will be fascinating to see if the Pacers end up lowering their demands for players like Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis as the Feb. 10 date rapidly approaches.
