The Indiana Pacers made the tough decision to part ways with Caris LeVert ahead of the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline, agreeing to a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the team likely out of playoff contention, building for the future became a priority, prompting the team to explore, and eventually pull the trigger on a trade to offload LeVert. Shortly after news of the deal broke, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle discussed the team's decision to move on from the talented 27-year-old, via Tony East.
Rick Carlisle confirms the Caris LeVert trade has been agreed to in principal. “Caris has been a tremendous man to work with,” he says.
Carlsile says he informed Caris a trade was likely earlier today.
— Tony East (@TEastNBA) February 6, 2022
Carlisle revealed he informed LeVert that a trade was likely to occur earlier today, before praising the forward saying he was a “tremendous man to work with.”
LeVert had joined the Pacers back in the 2020-21 season as part of the trade that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. He was initially dealt to the Rockets, who in turn flipped him to the Pacers as a means of acquiring Victor Oladipo.
Across 74 games with the Pacers, LeVert has averaged 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 3's per game. He's shooting at a 44.7% clip from the field this year and is knocking down 32.3% of his 3-point shots. The 27-year-old underwent a serious health scare after a small cancerous mass was discovered on his kidney during a physical, which he underwent successful surgery to remove.
LeVert will now swap a struggling Pacers squad for a surging Cavaliers team, instantly making them true contenders in the Eastern Conference. Currently sitting at 32-21, the Cavs acquiring an elite scorer and talented defender such as LeVert could be the piece they need to make a run at the NBA Finals.
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