CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have added a new piece to the roster ahead of the Thursday trade deadline, acquiring guard Caris LeVert from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Ricky Rubio and draft picks, the team announced on Monday.
Cleveland was in need of a talented guard with Rubio and Collin Sexton both out for the season with knee injuries, and general manager Koby Altman added that Sunday in the trade for LeVert.
This season, LeVert is averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 44.7% from the field and 32.3% from three.
LeVert seems to be a great fit for Cleveland where his role can be a secondary ball-handler behind Darius Garland, giving the Cavs the offensive boost missed by the absence of Rubio and Sexton.
“We are very excited to add a dynamic young player of this caliber and experience,” said Altman in a press release. “Caris LeVert fits uniquely into our culture and his Ohio roots brings an immediate connection to our community. We look forward to seeing what type of impact he can make on this roster. We also want to send our best wishes to Ricky Rubio and his family. Ricky has been the consummate professional and his leadership both on and off the court was invaluable and we respect everything he brought to this franchise.”
To acquire LeVert, the Cavs are sending a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick via Houston and a 2027 second-round pick via Utah, in addition to Rubio, who is on an expiring contract.
In addition to LeVert, the Cavs will also receive a 2022 second-round pick via Miami from the Pacers.
News of the trade broke shortly before the Cavs and Pacers tipped off inside of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Sunday, with LeVert in his new home arena when he found out about the trade.
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