The Cavaliers made a splash on Sunday night, swinging a trade for Caris LeVert.
LeVert was scratched from the Pacers lineup, though he was already in Cleveland’s arena when he got the news (the Cavaliers played the Pacers on Sunday). LeVert was in the Pacers’ locker room when he got the call from Cavs President of Basketball Operation that he had been traded to Cleveland.
Indiana receives Ricky Rubio (who’s out with a torn ACL in the deal) as well as three draft picks: 2022 1st-rounder (Cleveland’s lotto-protected): 2022 2nd-rounder (via HOU), 2022 2nd-rounder (via UTA).
More moves could be coming for Indiana with the trade deadline just days away. Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner are among the Pacers who could be moved.
More NBA Rumors, News & Notes
- Raptors’ center plans: Toronto is interested in Robert Williams as the franchise looks for a center. The Celtics is likely to hold off on moving Williams, according to multiple reports. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the only known untouchables at this point in time.
- Timberwolves trade rumors: The Timberwolves may explore trading Patrick Beverley, and could target Marcus Smart to help fill the void in the starting lineup. However, two of the team’s beat reporters don’t see Beverley being moved. The only two untouchable players on Minnesota’s roster right now are Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
- Warriors thing: Klay Thompson on what the Warriors need ahead of the trade deadline: “maybe a new washing machine.” Golden State is exceeding their preseason expectations with a blended roster of tested veterans and up-and-coming prospects. It would be surprising if they make a major move.
- Another Cavs thing: Kyrie Irving infamously requested a trade from the Cavaliers in 2017, as he felt that he wasn’t treated properly by the organization and felt like he was stuck in LeBron James‘ shadow. He was also unhappy with how his associates were not given the same treatment by LeBron’s entourage. “When LeBron returned to Cleveland, the Cavs hired his trainer, his security and his personal assistant,” Joe Vardon of The Athletic wrote. “Irving couldn’t get the same treatment for his associates, and it bothered him. But not just him.” The Cavs had to do everything to keep LeBron happy, but it’s totally understandable how Irving felt slighted with the Cavs seemingly giving him no say in decisions around the organization.
