The Cavs desire to trade for Pacers wing Caris LeVert isn’t exactly news–Cleveland’s been tied to him for weeks.
But with The Athletic’s Joe Vardon’s latest tweet, it seems Cleveland is still in pursuit, with the scribe writing the organization is still in pursuit.
The Pacers have declared they’re rebuilding, and with LeVert being one of the biggest assets, they’re hoping teams get desperate, otherwise, I think the Cavs would’ve been able to arrange a deal weeks ago.
Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto wrote the asking price for LeVert could be shooting guard Isaac Okoro and a first-round pick. The long-time colonist added, “Not sure I’d do that.”
If pressed, I’d probably agree with Pluto. I’m not ready to give up on Okoro just yet. That said, the Cavs need scoring, and right now, Okoro can go stretches where he disappears.
LaVert is 27 and in his prime, though, so he’d really help get this team to the playoffs and perhaps help the squad win a series or too.
Another option might be better for Cavs
As much as I’d like to have him, I still think Eric Gordon might be the better addition. Rajon Rondo isn’t coming close to replicating what the Cavs got out of Ricky Rubio. Gordon has more playmaking abilities and returns some scoring punch to the point-guard spot when Darius Garland isn’t out there.
Remember, Garland’s been injured with back issues lately. He played 59 games his rookie season and 54 in year two. He’s at 44 games right now. The point is he has no idea what it’s like to play 82 yet–and then the playoffs, if the Cavs can actually get there. It’s a lot of wear and tear.
While there’s been plenty speculation surrounding LeVert and Gordon, The Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote the teams dream targets are wings Dejounte Murray (Spurs) and Brandon Ingram (Pelicans).
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 10.