Mon, Feb 7, 2022 at 11:45am

LeVERT LANDS IN CLEVELAND

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard/forward Caris LeVert and a second-round draft pick in 2022 from the Indiana Pacers for guard Ricky Rubio, a protected first-round draft pick in 2022, a second-round draft pick in 2022 and a second-round draft pick in 2027.

What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are enjoying success this season, but they were in need of more help at guard (especially with Collin Sexton injured and out for the rest of the season). Enter LeVert, who can either come off the bench or start at shooting guard for Cleveland. The Cavs did not surrender too much to get him, either.

What does it give the Indiana Pacers
The Pacers, in stark contrast with Cleveland, are enduring a miserable 2021-22 campaign. So, it made sense from their perspective to trade LeVert at this time. They will receive Cleveland's first-rounder this year (unless it somehow lands in the lottery), plus a future second. Rubio is injured and unlikely to play.

Fantasy impact
LeVert's fantasy value may actually take a hit with Cleveland, since they have a terrific front court as well as point guard Darius Garland. Kevin Love is also having a great season as their sixth man, so LeVert will need to carve out his own niche with his new team. Rubio has no fantasy value at this time.