3 likeliest Cleveland Cavaliers to be traded this offseason
By Chad Porto
Caris LeVert
The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking at a very interesting situation with Caris LeVert. On one hand, he isn’t a great fit in Cleveland. He’s going to be buried pretty far on the roster when it comes to shot attempts in 2022 if everyone comes back, and the expected stars of the team get their opportunities. LeVert isn’t a good enough play-maker or distributor to warrant a role like Ricky Rubio had last year. He’s also not a good enough three-point shooter to take on that role.
LeVert is a square piece in a round hole. He doesn’t quite fit. He’s talented, sure, but being talented doesn’t mean you fit. So moving him makes sense for that reason. Another reason to move LeVert is his expiring contract, and the fact he’ll want north of $20 million on his next deal.
The Cavs could, in theory, afford him but do you want to? That’s the question. An expiring contract in the NBA may be more valuable than a first-round pick, at least a mid-to-late one. If the money matches a team can bail out of a bad investment that doesn’t fit in their scheme. LeVert’s expiring deal could help facilitate a trade with a team who has a guy on a two-year deal, with similar money, that they want to move.
Charlotte and Sacramento seem like interesting spots for him to land. A guy like Gordon Hayward, with his perimeter play, is exactly what the Cavs need. Same with a Harrison Barnes.