[WOJ] Cleveland is acquiring Caris Levert in a trade for Ricky Rubio, '22 1st and 2 2nds

[Dupp]

I mean if LeVert works out as well Mozgov did in 2015, I'll be thrilled.

If he works out as well as mozgov did, then Altman deserves GM of the year for this trade.

Actually, nah. Clippers still committed highway robbery in that trade with the blazers. Their GM can have the award.

Is this sarcasm? The Cavs gave up 2 1sts for Mozgov and he was benched within 12 months of the acquisition, and got DNP-CD in multiple playoff games before walking in FA after 1.5 years.

You’re recollection of events is not very good. He was a major reason they turned their season around and made the finals and probably could have won if not for injuries. They were like .500 halfway through the season. That post trade cavs team in 15 was one of the best cavs teams lebron had in Cleveland and the best defensive team of the second stint.

Yeah 2016 didn’t go great for him and he never really recovered from injury but those “ two firsts” that were late firsts were more than worth it to give them a shot at a title in 15.

And really they gave up waiters and a first for JR, Shumert and mozgov who were all major contributors on that 15 team. It worked great for Cleveland.

[SpreeS]

Its mistake. Injury prone, TS+ .95 and with avarage defence at max. I would invest time to develop Okoro with elite defence and would looking for 3D SG/SF free agent market or trade Sexton for it. Levert wont make diference this year, but he will take ball and shots from Garland/Mobley/Okoro next year. Levert is bigger Sexton. Size is matter but not for CAVS then 3 7-footer on floor.

[floppymoose]

I don't like this for the Cavs *this year*, but it could make them better later.

If I were a Cavs fan I would still rather have Rubio helping Mobley learn the nba game for another year.

[TheLand13]

If he works out as well as mozgov did, then Altman deserves GM of the year for this trade.

Actually, nah. Clippers still committed highway robbery in that trade with the blazers. Their GM can have the award.

Is this sarcasm? The Cavs gave up 2 1sts for Mozgov and he was benched within 12 months of the acquisition, and got DNP-CD in multiple playoff games before walking in FA after 1.5 years.

You’re recollection of events is not very good. He was a major reason they turned their season around and made the finals and probably could have won if not for injuries. They were like .500 halfway through the season. That post trade cavs team in 15 was one of the best cavs teams lebron had in Cleveland and the best defensive team of the second stint.

Yeah 2016 didn’t go great for him and he never really recovered from injury but those “ two firsts” that were late firsts were more than worth it to give them a shot at a title in 15.

And really they gave up waiters and a first for JR, Shumert and mozgov who were all major contributors on that 15 team. It worked great for Cleveland.

The trade for Smith and Shumpert benefited Cleveland far more that year than the trade for Mozgov if I'm being honest. It didn't just give them two very valuable wings who could shoot at the perimeter (and one of whom could also defend very well), it rid them of Dion Waiters whose style of play just did not fit with this team. Their wing depth was so atrocious that they were starting Shaun Marion of all people at SG just so they could keep the floor spread out and someone who could play defense. Honestly, it still blows my mind that they pulled off that trade. It amazes me that Griffin gets such a bad rep for his decision making as a GM these days with the Pelicans. He made some really incredible moves during his time with the Cavaliers.

I don't like this for the Cavs *this year*, but it could make them better later.

If I were a Cavs fan I would still rather have Rubio helping Mobley learn the nba game for another year.

Oh trust me, we would all rather have that. But the man tore his ACL so... we don't really have a choice on the matter.

[TheLand13]

Essentially a pick in the mid 20s range + two seconds. 2022 draft looks very meh. Deal is not great but not bad. LeVert has been inefficient thus far in his career but maybe he can change that in a more limited role.

Cleveland has quietly accumulated quite a bit of young talent on their roster. Mobley, Garland, Sexton, LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Okoro...really like what their GM has done, with a little more internal development from Garland/Mobley they could become contenders next year.

I agree the deal is kind of meh. Gave up a couple nice assets for a guy who doesn't put them over the top. Though, I wonder if the Cavs are going to surprise people and immediately go from build mode to win-now mode all at once, and this was the first domino.

This is spitballing, but could they do something now that is completely off the radar, like say trying to make an offer for Bradley Beal? They can offer Sexton/Okoro/Markannen (young talent they have accumulated) along with future picks (taking most protection off of them) to try to entice the Wizards (I don't see a way they could take on Bertans, though, which probably would make something like this more realistic).

It's probably a pipedream, but a lineup of:

1. Garland
2. Beal
3. Levert
4. Mobley
5. Allen

6. Love

Then still having Rondo/Goodwin/Cedi/Dean Wade/Lamar Stevens on the bench looks to me like a championship lineup, not only this year but for the forseeeable future if they would be able to resign Beal.

To me Beal represents a lot of what I don't want in a player. Entitled, inflated ego, not worth what he wants to be paid. I think they should stick with the Garland/Sexton pairing and see how it works for at least another year.

Garland/Sexton is simply never going to work, period. They are both 6'1 and one likes to be a ball dominant player. At least Levert has legitimate playmaking capabilities and knowledge. Sexton has never shown he's capable of being that. It's become perfectly clear at this point after Sexton's injury that Cleveland is better off moving on without him.

With that said, I never want Bradley Beal on this team. Ever. All Cleveland needs is a legitimate three and D player. That's it. Okoro can continue to develop his shooting. Just get him a running mate who can check off those boxes.

[God Squad]

I don't like this for Cleveland personally. I've just never liked Caris very much and would have used those assets elsewhere.

[CP War Hawks]

I think the Cavs could have used a more knock down 3 like Barnes. Maybe the package they offered wasn't enough or they have plans for Lavert to light it up off the bench.

[Mr Loggins]

Not a huge fan but not a terrible one Jumped the gun on a guy that hasn’t won a lot. Rubio brings a lot of intangibles. People act like this is gonna be the 29th or 30th pick when actually it’s like 21-24.

I don't think LeVert is worth a late 1st and an early 2nd but...

21-30 is not that much different talent, it's a late 1st either way.

whoops - misread your post. edited out my response

[Lalouie]

basically even but the cavs have something going and indy is going nowhere.
one helps, the other doesn't

cavs

[LikeABosh]

If he works out as well as mozgov did, then Altman deserves GM of the year for this trade.

Actually, nah. Clippers still committed highway robbery in that trade with the blazers. Their GM can have the award.

Is this sarcasm? The Cavs gave up 2 1sts for Mozgov and he was benched within 12 months of the acquisition, and got DNP-CD in multiple playoff games before walking in FA after 1.5 years.

You’re recollection of events is not very good. He was a major reason they turned their season around and made the finals and probably could have won if not for injuries. They were like .500 halfway through the season. That post trade cavs team in 15 was one of the best cavs teams lebron had in Cleveland and the best defensive team of the second stint.

Yeah 2016 didn’t go great for him and he never really recovered from injury but those “ two firsts” that were late firsts were more than worth it to give them a shot at a title in 15.

And really they gave up waiters and a first for JR, Shumert and mozgov who were all major contributors on that 15 team. It worked great for Cleveland.

Yeah, Mozgov was awesome in 2015. That move along with JR/Shump likely would have gotten them the title if Love and Kyrie didn't get injured

[queridiculo]

It's an ok deal for Cleveland, does Levert really move the needle?

[LivingLegend]

It's an ok deal for Cleveland, does Levert really move the needle?

A secondary ball handler who can create his own shot? Yes. The Cavs only have 1 player on their entire roster with that skillset.

"The Cavs and Pacers started LeVert-centric discussions weeks ago, as Cleveland compiled a lengthy list of potential replacements for injured guards Collin Sexton and Rubio. The front office recently checked on Milwaukee guard Donte DiVincenzo’s availability, sources say. But the Bucks weren’t interested in helping a team they may have to topple during an upcoming title defense. Cleveland executives stayed in touch with the Houston Rockets about Eric Gordon and the Orlando Magic when it came to Gary Harris and Terrence Ross. Even inquired about San Antonio guard Derrick White.

In many of those cases, the price tag was too high. Sources say the Cavs weren’t willing to give a first-round pick for 33-year-old Gordon. The Rockets have been adamant about at least that level of compensation and multiple sources believe they may hang on to Gordon through Thursday’s trade deadline, revisiting deals this offseason. San Antonio wanted a combination of young players and draft picks for White.

Even as Cleveland parsed through various options, one thing became clear: LeVert was the top target.

His age, talent, contract situation and skill set made him the best fit. The Cavs had Rubio’s expiring contract -- an ideal trade chip for an Indiana team that’s disappointed this year and looking to rebuild. Rubio’s $17.8 million number also aligned perfectly with LeVert’s salary."

--cleveland.com

[Myth]

A late first round pick and some 2nds isn’t that good of a package. I doubt they could have gotten much more than lavert.

I think his point was Portland gave away better players for less, so why wasn’t there a Portland/Cleveland trade?

Because the Cavs need another ball handler/secondary creator more than they need a Powell; someone who can take pressure off Garland and act as a primary creator when Garland is off the floor. That is by far the Cavs biggest weakness - the offense tanks when he hits the bench because no one else can create a shot.

Not saying Powell wouldn't fit nicely with the Cavs, but he wouldn't really fill that gaping hole in the way a Levert does.

He proposed CJ as an option as well who can do that better than Levert, but that is obviously a lot of money.

[LivingLegend]

I think his point was Portland gave away better players for less, so why wasn’t there a Portland/Cleveland trade?

Because the Cavs need another ball handler/secondary creator more than they need a Powell; someone who can take pressure off Garland and act as a primary creator when Garland is off the floor. That is by far the Cavs biggest weakness - the offense tanks when he hits the bench because no one else can create a shot.

Not saying Powell wouldn't fit nicely with the Cavs, but he wouldn't really fill that gaping hole in the way a Levert does.

He proposed CJ as an option as well who can do that better than Levert, but that is obviously a lot of money.

CJs contract would be much harder to navigate and require a lot more assets. The Cavs would have had to toss in Sexton + Windler

I proposed this on the Cavs board but is Cj really worth the significantly higher cost compared to LeVert?

IDK if the difference in CJ compared to LeVert is Collin Sexton + more draft picks. I view LeVert as sort of a McCollum lite.

[Myth]

Because the Cavs need another ball handler/secondary creator more than they need a Powell; someone who can take pressure off Garland and act as a primary creator when Garland is off the floor. That is by far the Cavs biggest weakness - the offense tanks when he hits the bench because no one else can create a shot.

Not saying Powell wouldn't fit nicely with the Cavs, but he wouldn't really fill that gaping hole in the way a Levert does.

He proposed CJ as an option as well who can do that better than Levert, but that is obviously a lot of money.

CJs contract would be much harder to navigate and require a lot more assets. The Cavs would have had to toss in Sexton + Windler

I proposed this on the Cavs board but is Cj really worth the significantly higher cost compared to LeVert?

IDK if the difference in CJ compared to LeVert is Collin Sexton + more draft picks. I view LeVert as sort of a McCollum lite.

Yeah, I acknowledged the money being a lot. Can't say I've looked directly at the Cavs financial situation. In a vaccuum though, I'd take both CJ and Powell over Levert.

[DroseReturnChi]

It's an ok deal for Cleveland, does Levert really move the needle?

what alternative does cle have? tank now that sexton and rubio are gone?
its not like they surrendered their farm it was a low risk move. people questioning levert's efficiency is sleeping on his versaility. he is a 2 guard but has the rare size and playmaking ability.

[Doctor MJ]

Man.

So this is not a move I would make were I Cleveland. If it works out, then Altman and Bickerstaff’s reputation will deserve to keep going, but as I see it:

There is no point in trading for a guy who you don’t see as being a key part of your core going forward, and it’s not clear to me how LaVert does that.

On a team that has Garland, Allen & Mobley, to me what you want is an elite 3 & D role player, not a guy whose main thing is driving.

I could see LaVert as a 6th Man on the team…but why are you giving up assets in this first year with your new core just for a guy you’re thinking of as a bench guy going forward?

I feel like the Cavs fell into the trap many were saying should fall into “More playoff experience is better, so with injuries you have to trade for some guy this year to maximize your chance at a long playoff run. “

But that shouldn’t be your first priority here and I’m not sure LaVert really moves that needle.

Hope I’m wrong. Cavs core is very exciting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[yoyoboy]

I don't like this for the Cavs *this year*, but it could make them better later.

If I were a Cavs fan I would still rather have Rubio helping Mobley learn the nba game for another year.

Rumors are that Rubio’s preferred move is going to be to re-sign here in the summer.

[Buckeye-NBAFan]

Is this sarcasm? The Cavs gave up 2 1sts for Mozgov and he was benched within 12 months of the acquisition, and got DNP-CD in multiple playoff games before walking in FA after 1.5 years.

You’re recollection of events is not very good. He was a major reason they turned their season around and made the finals and probably could have won if not for injuries. They were like .500 halfway through the season. That post trade cavs team in 15 was one of the best cavs teams lebron had in Cleveland and the best defensive team of the second stint.

Yeah 2016 didn’t go great for him and he never really recovered from injury but those “ two firsts” that were late firsts were more than worth it to give them a shot at a title in 15.

And really they gave up waiters and a first for JR, Shumert and mozgov who were all major contributors on that 15 team. It worked great for Cleveland.

Yeah, Mozgov was awesome in 2015. That move along with JR/Shump likely would have gotten them the title if Love and Kyrie didn't get injured

That doesn't make any sense. Love playing the next year is part of the reason Mozgov didn't play in the playoffs. The Cavs cruise through the East with or without Mozgov, and he was useless against GS.

[LikeABosh]

You’re recollection of events is not very good. He was a major reason they turned their season around and made the finals and probably could have won if not for injuries. They were like .500 halfway through the season. That post trade cavs team in 15 was one of the best cavs teams lebron had in Cleveland and the best defensive team of the second stint.

Yeah 2016 didn’t go great for him and he never really recovered from injury but those “ two firsts” that were late firsts were more than worth it to give them a shot at a title in 15.

And really they gave up waiters and a first for JR, Shumert and mozgov who were all major contributors on that 15 team. It worked great for Cleveland.

Yeah, Mozgov was awesome in 2015. That move along with JR/Shump likely would have gotten them the title if Love and Kyrie didn't get injured

That doesn't make any sense. Love playing the next year is part of the reason Mozgov didn't play in the playoffs. The Cavs cruise through the East with or without Mozgov, and he was useless against GS.

None of what you said has anything to do with 2015