The Cleveland Cavaliers did not just throw a dart that landed on Caris LeVert to make the decision to go after him ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The Cavs sent feelers to other teams as well, but it was LeVert who made the most sense for the team when compared to their other options.
Via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com:
Even though there are legitimate health questions with LeVert, who has never played a full season, the Cavs considered him the most talented player on the market. At least, of the ones they classified as truly “available.”
The Cavs also knocked on the doors of the Milwaukee Bucks asking for the possibility of a trade that would get Cleveland Donte DiVincenzo, according to Fedor. Apart from the Bucks, Cleveland kicked the tires on the idea of trading for Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon, Orlando Magic’s Garry Harris and Terrence Ross, and also Derrick White of the Antonio Spurs. In the end, it was LeVert that the Cavs locked their eyes on, and they got their man Sunday via a deal with the Indiana Pacers.
The Cavs sent Ricky Rubio’s expiring contract and multiple future draft picks for LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick (via the Miami Heat).
The most obvious item that LeVert brings to the Cavs’ table is scoring. He will be a shot in the arm of Cleveland’s offense that is only averaging 106.5 points per game. LeVert averaged 18.7 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field in 39 games (all starts) this season in Pacers threads.