Cavaliers sign Caris LeVert in trade with Pacers

Cleveland has traded Ricky Rubio to Pacers for Caris LeVert

Cleveland Cavaliers have done swift business by trading Ricky Rubio to the Indiana Pacers. In the deal, the Pacers will send Caris LeVert to the Cavs for Ricky Rubio and future Draft picks.

Cavs receives: 

  • Caris LeVert
  • 2022 second-round pick (via Miami)

Pacers receives: 

  • Ricky Rubio
  • 2022 first-round draft pick (lottery-protected)
  • 2022 second-round pick (via Houston)
  • 2027 second-round pick (via Utah)

 
Caris

“We are very excited to add a dynamic young player of this caliber and experience,” Cavs GM Koby Altman said in a statement Monday. “Caris LeVert fits uniquely into our culture and his Ohio roots brings an immediate connection to our community. We look forward to seeing what type of impact he can make on this roster. We also want to send our best wishes to Ricky Rubio and his family. Ricky has been the consummate professional and his leadership both on and off the court was invaluable and we respect everything he brought to this franchise.”

The Cavaliers have been splendid this season and are 3rd in the Eastern Conference. They stand at 33-21 thanks to brilliant performances from Jarret Allen and Darius Garland. The team has become one of the most efficient teams in the league right now.

With the signing of LeVert, they have increased their chances of a deep run in the NBA Playoffs. Cavaliers are going to profit largely after signing LeVert. The 27-year-old Ohio native averages 18.7 points and 4.4 assists for the Pacers, who are 19-36 .

After Rubio suffered an ACL tear, the Cavs acquired Rondo in a short-term deal. But, LaVert, will be a major upgrade on the Rubio absence. LeVert signed a thee-year, $52 million contract with Brooklyn in 2020, before moving to the Pacers.

The trade deadline has seen some major shake-ups in recent years. With the NBA Playoffs less than 30 games away, teams will be looking to add good additions to bolster the roster.

In the East, the Heat currently lead the way followed by the Chicago Bulls. Cavs will look to finish in the Top 3 of the East to give them a good chance of making it past the 1st round of Playoffs.