Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Isaac Okoro, F Cedi Osman, F Dylan Windler, CLE 2023 1st Round Pick (Top-3 Protected)
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Caris LeVert, G Brad Wanamaker
Collin Sexton being injured does not only shed light on the Cavaliers’ offensive problems right now, but it also forces them to re-evaluate his future with the franchise. Being in the final year of his rookie contract, Sexton is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, and his injury could wind up changing everything for the Cavaliers.
While he has been great since being drafted 8th overall in 2018 by Cleveland, the Cavaliers are tight on cap space and they chose not to extend the young guard’s contract ahead of the 2021-22 season.
By going out and trading for Caris LeVert, this may not just be a temporary replacement for Collin Sexton, but a permanent one as well. Being under contract through next season, LeVert could save the Cavaliers some money in the short-term and give them the ability to go after some big names in 2023 since both Caris LeVert’s and Kevin Love’s contracts will be up.
When you look at this Cavs team as a whole, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen stick out as their main contributors, but second-year man Isaac Okoro has struggled after looking like he could take a big step this season during the preseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cavs Have ‘Multiple Fans’ Of Caris LeVert In Front Office
In 19 games this season, Okoro is only averaging 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and is shooting 37% from the floor, 21.4% from three-point range. Bringing in Caris LeVert to replace his production and take over for Collin Sexton immediately makes the Cavaliers a better team.
Cedi Osman has played well this season and is their best three-point shooting threat, averaging 41.4% from deep on the year, but he is making $8.1M this season and is a contract that would have to be sacrificed to bring in that of LeVert’s $17.5M contract.
By moving on from Caris LeVert, the Indiana Pacers would be looking to get back some young, impactful talents and they would get just that from the Cavaliers. Isaac Okoro (20), Dylan Windler (25), and Cedi Osman (26) are all young talents that are growing in this league and the Pacers would also get a protected first-round pick next year.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cavs Have ‘Multiple Fans’ Of Caris LeVert In Front Office
All three guys they would get back from Cleveland could not only play right away, but be building blocks for the future of this organization as well. Plus, Windler is from Indianapolis and could wind up being a steal in this trade if he stays healthy given his abilities to light it up from beyond the arc.
The Cavaliers front office is going to have to make a big move if they are to lock up a playoff spot in a competitive Eastern Conference this season, which is why acquiring Caris LeVert could go a long way for them.
