Indiana Pacers have traded shooting guard Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In exchange for LeVert, the Pacers received point guard Ricky Rubio, a lottery-protected first-round pick in 2022, and two second-rounders.
Indiana confirmed the news on their social media on Monday via post in which they’ve wished LeVert “all the best in Cleveland.”
The Pacers have been looking to reshuffle their roster for a while, so trading LeVert isn’t shocking. Indiana receives healthy draft compensation while also getting some money off their books next season with Rubio’s expiring contract. The team is expected to remain active ahead of the NBA trade deadline and has already shown willingness to entertain offers for All-Star Domantas Sabonis and talented big Myles Turner.
The Cavs, on the other hand, add another talented player to their young core. Caris LeVert played well when taking the floor for the Pacers this season and is currently averaging 18.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in 2021-22. Cleveland expects LeVert to give them a scoring boost moving forward and help them continue their postseason push. The franchise also has long-term plans for the 27-year-old and reportedly plans to sign him to an extension in the offseason.
The Cleveland Cavaliers has been performing above all expectations this season and is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 33-21 record. The Cavaliers are also just one game behind the top-seeded Miami Heat.
