Cavaliers Urged To Trade Caris LeVert: ‘His Unpredictable Nature Is Too Risky’

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been urged to trade Caris LeVert by an NBA analyst. 

Caleb Crowley of King James Gospel thinks the Cavaliers need to trade LeVert “for a veteran 3-and-D wing.”

“The best move the Cavaliers can make this summer is finding a positive move for LeVert, taking on a long-term contract for a proven wing shooter,” Crowley wrote. “Despite poor efficiency and a down season last year, LeVert should hold value across the league if for no reason other than giving another franchise financial flexibility next summer.

“LeVert is a solid two-way NBA talent. Although he has often been labeled a wing, the Columbus native has developed into a large guard, capable of handling either backcourt position as either an off- or on-ball presence. His shooting, while streaky, can punish poor defenses, and his crafty finishes are fun if nothing else. Still, his unpredictable nature is too risky for the Cavs to keep around, especially as expiring deals grow in value for teams attempting to duck the new Collective Bargaining Agreement’s heavy restrictions and burdens for overspenders.”

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, who turns 30 on August 25, has career 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. 

“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. 

The Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games after beating the Orlando Magic in the first round in seven games.