5 rumored moves for Cavs this offseason that would be mistakes

5 rumored moves for Cavs: Extending Caris LeVert long-term

It’s possible to track the thought process of the Cleveland front office at this past trade deadline. With Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio both injured and out for the remainder of the season, the Cavs were balancing on the edge of a knife. Stand pat, and the team could miss the playoffs; swing a trade, and it could propel them into the postseason.

The Cavs therefore traded for Caris LeVert, seeking to add a wing player who could serve as the secondary playmaker and shot-creator. They inexplicably sent multiple assets to the Indiana Pacers for the overpaid LeVert, and then promptly missed the playoffs anyway as LeVert was either injured or on the court not playing defense. While he had some moments offensively, clearly the early returns were poor.

The Cavs now have a decision to make. Do they acknowledge trading for LeVert was a mistake and try to move him this offseason to recoup some of the value they gave up? Do they stand pat and see what a training camp can do for integrating him into the team before making a decision at the trade deadline?

What they cannot do is double down, handing LeVert a long-term extension to stay in Cleveland. His lack of defense alongside Darius Garland makes for a tough combination, and the Cavs badly need floor-spacers at the 2 and 3, something LeVert is not going to help much with. If the Cavs keep both LeVert and Sexton this team’s defensive identity is going to flounder like a beached whale. Cleveland needs to move on, not lock the two parties into a long-term relationship.