The Cleveland Cavaliers made a blockbuster acquisition last week when they landed NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. After reportedly being out of the running for him, the Cavalier swooped in when negotiations with the New York Knicks reached an impasse, taking full advantage of the situation.
To land Mitchell, Cleveland didn’t have to sacrifice a single piece of their core. Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and Ochai Agbaji are the players heading to Salt Lake City. The Cavaliers also parted ways with three unprotected first-round picks and included two pick swaps.
Inserting Mitchell into the backcourt alongside Darius Garland is something that has people excited. While there could be some issues defensively, the Cavaliers have Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to clean up messes behind them in the frontcourt. On the wing, Isaac Okoro could be inserted as a defensive specialist.
Cleveland is certainly a better team with Mitchell in the mix, but there are certainly some things that need to be figured out. One of which is what kind of role does Caris LeVert have? He was their big acquisition at the trade deadline but now his future with the team is up in the air.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers & Caris LeVert Updates
On a recent episode of the HoopsHype podcast, Michael Scotto had Chris Fedor on to discuss all things Cavaliers. Right now, according to Scotto, there is no urgency to get an extension done with LeVert, who is on an expiring $18.7 million contract. Fedor would agree with that, as he believes there is a big gap between what LeVert is seeking and what the team is willing to offer.
“I think, ultimately, it’s going to be hard for both sides to get an extension done because the feeling inside the organization right now is that Caris is going to want too much, and they don’t know what his role is going to be and how he’s going to fit with Mitchell coming on board. The Cavaliers are open to whatever. If they can get him on a team-friendly deal, I definitely think they’ll consider and explore it. I just don’t see an extension coming for LeVert.”
Figuring out LeVert’s worth, monetarily, will come down to what kind of role he has on the team. Being a starter playing heavy minutes will cost more than someone coming off the bench even if the minutes distribution is similar.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers & Caris LeVert Updates
Right now, no indication has been given about what the lineup may look like on opening night. LeVert will be an integral part of the rotation, but will it be as a third or fourth option in the starting lineup or as the focus of the second unit with the ball in his hands?
If LeVert is willing to accept an offer in the range that Cleveland is comfortable with, a deal can get done rather quickly. But, waiting things out could be best for both sides.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers & Caris LeVert Updates
LeVert would have a chance to rehab some of his value after struggling a little bit following the trade from the Indiana Pacers to Cleveland. If they continue to not pan out, Cleveland can use his expiring contract as a trade chip ahead of the deadline to bolster the roster.
