Trade Alert: Grading LeVert deal from all angles

Grading LeVert deal from all angles: Missed opportunities

The trade for Caris LeVert can’t be viewed in a vacuum, as if that trade was the only option and the two teams just haggled over price. If the Cavs chose not to execute the deal for LeVert there were other players out there on the market as well.

Norman Powell is one such player we highlighted after he was traded to the LA Clippers. Powell is under contract for a long time, three seasons longer than LeVert, and is a year older than LeVert. He would have been a much better 2-way fit with this team, a high-level shooter and defender, but he doesn’t bring the on-ball creation of LeVert.

That’s a similar story for player such as Gary Harris or Buddy Hield. Those players may have been less expensive, but it’s clear the Cavs wanted a player who could man the 2 but also run the offense when Garland sits. They viewed LeVert + Cedi Osman as a better combination of shot creation and 3-and-D then something like Rajon Rondo + Buddy Hield.

Luke Kennard is another player that should be brought up here. He is on a longer contract but for less money, and he brings more shooting and a little less creation than LeVert. Defensively both are questionable options, although at least LeVert has size. It may be that the Clippers decided they didn’t want to put Kennard on the market; if Steve Ballmer is comfortable paying hand over fist for the most competitive roster possible then Kennard’s contract isn’t a problem.

Finally, the Eric Gordon question. The Rockets’ veteran guard is clearly available and probably could have been had for simply the Cavs’ first-roud pick this year. He is 33 years old, the biggest barrier to the Cavs adding him, but he can create shots on-ball, is a rugged defender and is shooting 42.7 percent from deep this year. He doesn’t fit the timeline, but he would have checked more boxes than anyone else available in this price range.

Caris LeVert truly does look like the player who meets as much of the Cavs’ wish list as possible — a 2-guard with size, on-ball creation and youg enough to potentially be a long-term piece. Other options at a lower cost may have been preferable, but LeVert was unique in what he offered this team.

Grade: B