The Indiana Pacers have been rumored as one of the biggest trade deadline sellers in the NBA. On Sunday, they made their first move to that effect.
The Pacers dealt guard Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pacers received a lottery-protected first-round pick in 2022, as well as Ricky Rubio’s expiring contract. Rubio is out for the season.
The Cavaliers have turned into a surprising contender in 2021-22, and the addition of LeVert signifies that they are serious about trying to make a run in the playoffs. The team’s success has largely been powered by breakout seasons from point guard Darius Garland and center Jarrett Allen, but they have lacked a high-end wing scorer. LeVert will provide that, bringing an average of 18.7 points per game with Indiana this season.
For the Pacers, this could be the first of several moves. There have been lingering rumors that the team could be prepared to move several core players, and LeVert was one of them. The decision to move the veteran guard could help accelerate other moves ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
