NBA Analyst Believes Caris LeVert, Cavaliers Will Part Ways After 2024-25 Season

One NBA analyst believes Caris LeVert and the Cleveland Cavaliers will part ways after the 2024-25 season. 

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report doesn’t think LeVert will be on the Cavaliers in 2025-26. 

“In a perfect world, both LeVert and the Cavs would have interest in a new contract,” Swartz wrote. “With second apron luxury tax concerns now starting to creep in for Cleveland next season, it simply may not be able to afford to keep the 29-year-old around. With Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell both agreeing to max extensions this summer, the Cavs already have $180.9 million on the payroll for 2025-26, or over $20 million more than the current roster is making. This isn’t factoring in a new deal for defensive ace Isaac Okoro, who remains a restricted free agent.

“The Cavs are already projected to be just $26.9 million below the second apron with nine players on the roster. A new contract for Okoro could slash this by $10 million or more, with roughly $17 million left to sign four players with. LeVert’s expiring $16.6 million contract is the only thing providing the Cavs with some financial relief next summer, especially as Mobley makes the jump from rookie deal to max contract. Finances will likely force LeVert to look for a new home.”

LeVert averaged 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Cavaliers last season in 68 games while shooting 42.1% from the field, 32.5% from beyond the arc and 76.6% from the foul line. He’ll make $16.6 million next season in the final year of his deal. 

LeVert has career NBA averages of 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Cavaliers.

To avoid losing LeVert for nothing, NBA writer Caleb Crowley of King James Gospel thinks the Cavaliers need to trade LeVert “for a veteran 3-and-D wing.”

“Dealing LeVert for a veteran 3-and-D wing could alleviate much of the Cavs’ woes next season, even if Cleveland has to attach another player or some draft compensation to the deal to get it done,” Crowley wrote.