4 burning questions for the Cavs ahead of free agency

4 burning questions for Cavs in free agency: Does LeVert extend?

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded a strong package to the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline for Caris LeVert. A first-round pick, the best second-round pick in this year’s draft, and the expiring contract of Ricky Rubio, a player the Cavs wish they had Bird Rights on right now.

Then the fit, which was questionable from the start, proved terrible. His limitations as an off-ball player capped the upside of adding his on-ball creation and playmaking, and his defense was so bad that he nearly broke Cleveland’s defense by himself. It was an abysmal showing during the brief time LeVert was in town.

Now the decision comes. LeVert is entering the final year of his contract, earning $18.8 million next season, third-most on the team. Do the Cavs let him enter the last year of his deal to see how he plays before making a decision on his future, risking that he walks for nothing next summer? Do they look to trade him?

Or, given their investment in LeVert already, do they commit to him and offer an extension to keep him on the team past next season? That seems like the step the front office is most likely to take, although committing long-term to both LeVert and Sexton seems perilous. Perhaps they will see that and slowplay any extension talks, but the history of front offices is that they don’t let past costs be in the past; they tend to dictate future moves as well. That could lead to a LeVert payday by means of an extension.