4 impacts Cavs trade for Caris LeVert will have on roster

2. Cavs makes shrewd decision on Rubio contract

Pretty much everyone on the Cavs bandwagon was a Ricky Rubio fan and it was devastating to see the veteran go down with a season ending knee injury.

Rubio had one year and $18 million left on his contract, though, and expiring deals still have value in the NBA because it opens up cap space at season’s end.

So the rebuilding Pacers jumped at the chance to clear some cash and the Cavs made the shrewd decision of moving Rubio.

"“The (trade) value of Rubio goes to zero after the (February 10) trade deadline. This allows the Cavs to obtain an asset they otherwise would have had no way to acquire. LeVert is pretty good when healthy, a veteran rotation player on a playoff team which is what the Cavs need now and for the next few years,” wrote Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto, who quoted a ‘veteran NBA agent.'”"

Rubio will be a free agent next season and he’ll be free to sign anywhere. If the Cavs are interested, they can make another run at the Spanish star.