The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Caris Levert from the Indiana Pacers per league sources. Cleveland will send the injured Ricky Rubio, their 2022 lottery protected first round pick and two second round picks in 2022 (via Houston) & 2027 (via Utah) to indiana. The Cavaliers will also receive a 2022 second round pick (via Miami).
The 27-year old Levert is averaging 18,7 points, 3.3 assists & 3.8 rebounds per game. He gives Cleveland a much needed second scoring option next to Darius Garland. The Cavaliers have struggled mightily on the offensive end while Garland has been sidelined nursing a sore back.
Cleveland's President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman was able to acquire a player of Levert's talent level without giving up a key piece of the current roster. It was rumored that the Pacers were asking for Sexton but ultimately settled for the deal of Rubio's expiring contract and picks.
Levert scored a season high 42 points in his last game for the Pacers on Thursday night vs Chicago. Not only does he give Cleveland another scoring option, but he also gives them another ball handler should Garland miss an extended period of time.
Caris Levert found out about the trade upon entering Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for the Pacers game at Cleveland Sunday evening. He was reportedly thrilled to be traded back to Ohio as he is a Columbus native and is looking forward to helping an up and coming contender like the CAVS. He will be a free agent after next season. Reports are that Cleveland will look to offer him an extension this summer. Levert now joins former Nets teammate Jarrett Allen in Cleveland.
Rubio's $17.8 million expiring contract gives the Pacers some much needed cap relief next season as they head into a rebuild. He is unlikely to re-sign with the Pacers and reportedly would be interested in signing back with Cleveland in the off-season.
Levert should make his Cleveland debut Wednesday against the visiting San Antonio Spurs.
Make sure you check out all of our podcasts at Believeland Media LLC! Click on the images below to access.
