Pros and cons of potential Caris LeVert extension for Cavs

Cons of a potential LeVert extension

Given the contract I gave him at the beginning of the article, based on Scotto’s report, I do think it is a lot for LeVert, I could see him taking around $15 million per year for 3-5 years. Financially, the Cavs will be cash strapped during the next few years in this case.

Love is on the last year of his huge contract, and will potentially receive a new deal from Cleveland if they want him back, although we’ll have to see. Darius Garland will reportedly likely get a max contract, and Jarrett Allen is making $20 million a year. Lauri Markkanen is getting a bit over $15 million per year for the next two years, too, but the third year is non-guaranteed. From there, Collin Sexton could seemingly be seeking similar compensation as LeVert, based on Scotto and Fedor’s comments. The point is, Cleveland is about to become heavily committed financially to the roster very soon.

Also, LeVert is not a great defender, and neither is Darius Garland. If LeVert were to play in the backcourt with Garland, the duo couldn’t stop a lot of people on defense. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen can only do so much to protect the paint, and Isaac Okoro cannot guard all perimeter players. The Cavs are a very solid defensive team, if mostly healthy, and LeVert is not really helping them in that regard.

Along with that, LeVert is not the best 3-point shooter ever, either. He shot 31.3% from distance this season for Cleveland, and was even worse from the corners, shooting 12.5% there.

And last but definitely not least, LeVert’s had an extensive injury history. The Cavaliers have to factor that in, too.

In conclusion, if I were Koby Altman, and I had to decide right now what I were to do with Caris LeVert’s contract, I would decide to wait to see how he will be playing during the season and see what he is really worth next offseason, seemingly. If he plays well, give him a contract extension that he deserves. If he is not as good as planned, then you can let him walk in free agency, trade him near the deadline as an expiring asset, or sign him to a more team-friendly extension perhaps, in theory.

But hey, I am not Koby Altman, however, I do think whatever the front office does in regards to LeVert, I think it will be a sound decision.