The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers have agreed to a trade, sending Caris LeVert to the Cavs.
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 have been in trade talks with many of their key players throughout the season. This could be the start of an overhaul for them, with Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis still in trade talks.
For the Cavs, this trade helps them become a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. LeVert is an excellent wing player that will add a scoring punch to the team. Cleveland enters Sunday as the four seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-21.
It has been a surprise how good they have been, but their moves in the offseason have panned out well. Darius Garland has also had a breakout season, leading the Cavs on this impressive run. Garland was just named to his first All-Star team earlier this week. Adding LeVert at their weakest position will help them be an even better team.
That being said, here are the grades for the Cavs-Pacers Caris LeVert trade.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A
The Cavs are going all-in with this trade for an impactful wing in LeVert. LeVert is averaging 18.7 points per game along with 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists.
When people think of contenders in the East, they think of the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavs have now entered this conversation as their team is talented enough to make a championship run.
Heading into the season, the three big man lineup of Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen was questioned. However, they have proven the haters wrong by being an integral part of the Cavs success.
LeVert could jump into the starting lineup alongside these three and Garland or be a great 6th man. LeVert is a slasher who can create his own shot and get to the rim. That is something the Cavs have struggled with this season. Whatever role he is cast, this was a phenomenal trade for the Cavs, and it puts them in title contention.
LeVert is thrilled with the chance to return to his Ohio home and join an emerging contender with Cavs. He gives Cleveland a significant wing player who'll be eligible for an extension this summer. Pacers get Cavs first-round pick and a Houston second that'll be in low 30's.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2022
Indiana Pacers: B
The Pacers have started their fire sale as they look to change up their roster. Indiana has been in trade rumors over the past few months, with many of their players available. LeVert is the first domino to fall, and many more trades are primed to happen before the trade deadline.
This deal gives them back an expiring contract in Ricky Rubio along with multiple draft picks, which will help them acquire more young talent. Rubio suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season.
Indiana will now shift their focus to dealing other players, most notably Sabonis and Turner. Sabonis is averaging 19.1 points per game, along with 12.1 rebounds and five assists. The two-time All-Star would be an excellent addition to any team.
Turner is out with an injury, but many contending teams are still interested in acquiring him. He is averaging 12.9 points per game, 7.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.8 blocks.
Veterans Torrey Craig, Justin Holiday, and Jeremy Lamb could also be moved to contending teams for wing depth. Although the Pacers have not yet committed to a full-fledged rebuild, it is time. The Pacers tried to remain competitive with their roster but are 13th in the Eastern Conference at 19-35.
It will be a busy week for Indiana. They might be be taking the Orlando Magic route from last season. Orlando sent their key players to contenders at the deadline for draft picks and young players.
This Cavs-Pacers trade sets up the direction for both teams, as the Cavs look to contend for a title while the Pacers head towards a rebuild.