Finally, a relevant NBA trade! Indiana Pacers guard/forward Caris Levert was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What was funny about this trade is that it happened right before the Pacers played the Cavaliers on Sunday. The two teams must have had some final discussions in the tunnels before tipoff…
Full trade: Indiana sends Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick via Miami to Cleveland for Ricky Rubio, lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick via Houston and a 2027 second-round pick via Utah, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2022
The Pacers were able to pick up a decent return for Caris Levert getting a top pick in next year’s draft, as well as a second-round pick, and Ricky Rubio (out for the season with a torn ACL).
For a player whose contract is expiring, I’d say the Pacers came out just fine in this deal. Could they have gotten a little more? Maybe, but I don’t think teams were lining up at the Pacers Front Office to trade for him. The Cavs are a team who could use him this season and the Pacers are looking toward the future.
After losing both Rubio and Sexton to season-ending injuries, the Cavaliers have made a couple of smart moves in trading for Rajon Rondo and Caris Levert so they can keep this great season on a roll.
Cleveland Cavaliers Grade: B
I would give this trade a B for the Cavs. Caris Levert has proven himself to be a solid scorer, but sort of an inefficient one at that. He has the ability to go off for 30 on any given night… but he also can shoot 2/15.
Regardless, I think this is an upgrade at the 2 or 3 spot for the Cavaliers. Levert is 27 years old and in his prime, so he could be the final piece to the puzzle here in Cleveland alongside Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Levert is one of the best in the league when it comes to taking the ball to the basket. He ranks in the top 10 in scoring when driving to the hoop, something the Cavs have struggled with this season. They rank 29th in that category.
Caris Levert comes back to his hometown in Ohio and I’m sure he’s a happy camper joining the Cavaliers as they continue their unexpected quest for an NBA Championship. The Cavaliers are the second seed in the East with a record of 33-21.
Caris has averaged 18.7 PPG, 4.4 APG, and 3.8 APG this season.
Indiana Pacers Grade: B+
The Indiana Pacers came out better off in letting go of Caris Levert. The Pacers have made it clear that they are moving toward a rebuild, so picking up two picks in this years’ draft is the first step in that mission.
They lose a gifted scorer in Levert, but he is on an expiring contract anyways, and one where he will most likely be asking for more moolah… so a deal like this can only benefit the Pacers.
The Pacers pick up Ricky Rubio as well, but he is on an expiring deal as well, so he was really just used to make the money situation right since he’s out for the rest of the season.
I’d be on the lookout for the Pacers to go ahead and also trade Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. If they are going for a total rebuild then they might as well let them go and load up on picks and young players like OKC.
All in all, this trade was a Win-Win for both sides.
