3 Cavaliers likely to be on a new team by the trade deadline

Trade option No. 3 – Caris LeVert

Columbus native swingman Caris LeVert joined the Cavs via trade from the Indiana Pacers. As a former Brooklyn teammate of Jarrett Allen, LeVert quickly found a spot in the Cavaliers culture, but his role on the team has constantly changed.

LeVert has had a uniquely confusing experience in Cleveland.

At the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, LeVert was the starting small forward for the Cavs. By the end of the year, he found himself as the sixth man and lead playmaker on the bench unit. His talent is undeniable, and he helped lead the charge to numerous wins for Cleveland last season.

In the wake of Cleveland’s short playoff appearance, LeVert and the Cavs organization equally expressed serious interest in bringing him back in free agency. This was quickly realized when LeVert signed a two-year, $32 million contract.

Caris LeVert might stay on the team throughout this full contract, but his initial role in Cleveland was meant to compliment Darius Garland in the backcourt. With Mitchell now in the fray, LeVert is still searching for his best fit on the roster.

He showed glimpses of how he can fit long term, and maybe this season that role is more defined with Cleveland’s improved depth chart. Should his inconsistent fit continue, then there may be no choice for the Cavs but to trade LeVert at the trade deadline.

Hopefully LeVert will fit in with the Cavaliers. Admittedly, my personal view is that losing LeVert would be a painful mistake. LeVert has welcomed every role change and fully embraced his spot on the Cavaliers. A player with Caris’ willingness and team-first mentality can be hard to find. Also, LeVert was Cleveland’s third-best 3-point option last season. As a team in need of floor spacing, it could be detrimental to the Cavs’ competitive growth to give up on LeVert already.

For now, all three of these players are members of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and all three are dedicated to the culture in the Land. Should they stay, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will surely look to maximize their talents.

If they leave Cleveland by the deadline, hopefully it is the best option for both the player and the team.