3 reasons the Cavs should and should not trade for Caris LeVert

Why the Cavs shouldn’t trade for Caris LeVert

The Cleveland Cavaliers are potentially offering up some youth, some draft picks, and a whole commitment to a guy who may not be what the team needs. Looking at if Caris LeVert is a fit for the Cavs is important. So what are the knocks against him?

Firstly, his age and injury history. He’s 27-turning-28 in August and has a history of injuries to his name. We’re talking serious issues to his ankles, thighs, and back, which are pretty important in a game like a basketball. As players get older they usually break down faster, and the injuries start to pile up even more so. To be fair, we have seen players avoid getting injured after a series of issues, like Grant Hill. Hill actually played 65 games in a season five times after his 2001-2006 seasons. He hit 80 games three times. He was able to bounce back after a history of injuries to play full seasons. He wasn’t what he was but he was still an NBA-caliber starter.

So maybe LeVert can start clocking in 70+ games a year. Maybe not, though.

The other issue to worry about is his contract. It’s nearly $20 million over the next two years and that’s could actually be a steal in some situations. If he out-plays the deal and gets the Cavs to the NBA Finals? Sure, it’s worth it. That said, he’s a free agent in 2023. The Cavs would have to give up a lot to get LeVert and if he does hit the open market at 29, what is he worth? Let’s say he balls out or us, but wants a four-year deal at $30 million a clip. Is he worth that?

I would say not and if he isn’t playing to a level where he warrants a new deal, was giving up Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro (or whoever else) worth it?

The other issue to worry about is his fit in the system. He’s not a great three-point shooter and that’s something you really need in the league. He’s not bad, by any means and the team isn’t giving up anyone in this hypothetical offer who can hit threes (Darius Garland, Kevin Love, Cedi Osman) but he’s not such a robust shooter that he helps stretch the court either.

He takes 70% of his shots from inside the arc. Is that what the Cavs want, a mid-range scorer? I thought we had enough of those. That’s not great, but worst yet is the fact he’s just not a good defensive player. In his career, he’s only posted a positive defensive RAPTOR score twice. Once in 2017-2018 (+0.1) and once again 2018-2019 (+1.5).

That’s it. He’s not a guy you can rely on to get a stop. This year he’s bottomed out at a -2.2. Granted, the Pacers defense is bad, but is his figure bad because of the team he’s on or is the team bad because LeVert is on the team?