NBA Trade Rumors: Caris LeVert has been identified as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most realistic trade target for opposing teams at the deadline.
When the Cleveland Cavaliers nearly emptied their wallet for Donovan Mitchell during the offseason, it became abundantly clear that they were all-in on this season. And so far, they have played as such. At nearly the midway point of the season, the Cavs are 24-14 and sitting as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference standings. They’re also only two games out of the top seed in the conference.
With how well Donovan Mitchell has played this season, you can make a strong argument that the Cavs have emerged as a serious threat in the East. And heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, the Cavs could be looking to take another step in that direction by making an addition.
And according to a recent report, if they do end up making a move, it will likely revolve around Caris LeVert, who has been identified as the team’s top trade target heading into the deadline. But, the big question is whether or not the Cavs will actually make such a move.
Would the Cleveland Cavaliers trade Caris LeVert?
It has already been reported that the Cavs are interested in adding depth to the wing position at the trade deadline, perhaps one that fits better than LeVert (who has struggled during his tenure with the team). LeVert is averaging 12 points per game on 39 percent shooting from the field overall and 34 percent shooting from 3-point range.
He’s also only started 18 games for the Cavs this season. It’s tough to envision the Cavs moving LeVert unless it’s for a player that they truly believe will help this team take a step forward. If I had to guess, the thought process would be to move LeVert for a 3-and-D wing. For as good as LeVert can be at times on the offensive end, he’s simply not the defender that the team probably needs next to Mitchell and Darius Garland in closing time.
Whether or not that player will be available at the trade deadline remains to be seen but it seems that the Cavs are going to be scanning the market.
Cleveland has to feel that they’re close. And as the team continues to improve this season, making another win-now move at the trade deadline seems like a foregone conclusion.