Cleveland Cavaliers sign Caris LeVert to two-year, $32 million deal

Caris LeVert has agreed to a two-year, $32 million dollar deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 28-year-old combo guard averaged 12.1 points and 3.9 assists last season.

Acquired at the 2022 NBA trade deadline, LeVert has become an integral member of the Cavaliers’ rotation. His value as a versatile, 6’6” ball handler with natural shot-creation abilities has given Cleveland much to work with. He has been given various roles, ranging from backup point guard to starting small forward.

Last season, LeVert prioritized his three-point shooting in an attempt to blend in with Cleveland’s All-Star backcourt. He shot a career-high 39.2% from deep and drilled a personal-best 127 total three-pointers.

In addition to expanding his abilities as a shooter, LeVert took a revitalized approach to playing defense. Bunkering down on this end of the floor became a goal that LeVert (mostly) accomplished throughout the 2023-24 season. He was one of the team’s most consistent perimeter defenders alongside Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley.

LeVert’s $16 million per year puts him in the same ballpark as similar players such as Gary Trent Jr. ($18.5M), Norman Powell ($18M), Derrick White ($18.3M), Collin Sexton ($17M) and Jordan Clarkson ($14M).

Considering LeVert was eligible for a four-year, $110 million dollar extension, this seems like a bargain deal for Cleveland and an honorable sacrifice from LeVert.

With just two years on the contract, this agreement gives everyone involved flexibility moving forward. An expiring contract is something that will pique interest in trade discussions, allowing both parties to potentially change course if the pairing is no longer mutually beneficial.

For now, LeVert is on a team-friendly deal and set to be a key feature of Cleveland’s rotation for the next two seasons.