It took some time, but Caris LeVert and the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed to have finally figured out his ideal role on the team. LeVert and the Cavs agreed that he would excel as the team’s sixth man and secondary playmaker. The 2023 NBA Free Agent class features some big-name shooting guards. However, the 28-year-old and current unrestricted free agent might be one of the best value options of the summer.
Caris LeVert Free Agent Profile
Background
LeVert’s tenure with the Cavs didn’t get off to the strongest start. He struggled to acclimate to the new organization after being traded in February 2022, dealt with injuries down the stretch, and became an imperfect fit once the team acquired Donavan Mitchell. LeVert eventually settled in and became an essential piece for the Cavs.
The former Net and Pacer finished last season with a career-high 39.2 percent 3-point percentage. Despite a lengthy injury history, LeVert tallied another career high with 74 games played. He also played 457 more minutes than the year prior.
After the Knicks eliminated Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said the team would be “fortunate” to have LeVert back next year.
“For us, I feel like he’s a big part of what we’re doing now,” Altman said. “He’s transitioned to a secondary playmaker, spot shooter, guard across the perimeter. So he’s a big part of our attack, and it’s a big reason why, at the deadline, I didn’t do anything because he was a big part of what we were doing, and I didn’t want to lose that.”
Lucky for Altman, the Cavs control LeVert’s Bird rights. In other words, the team can go over the cap to re-sign him. This won’t be ideal for the Cavs’ cap, but they won’t be able to replace LeVert through free agency adequately. If LeVert leaves, Cleveland will still be over the cap. At that point, the team wouldn’t be able to make a meaningful free-agent acquisition to replace LeVert.
Strengths
LeVert clearly became comfortable with the Cavs midway through the season. After the All-Star break, the 6-6 guard averaged 12.5 points and 3.7 assists per game. As he became more of a catch-and-shoot player, LeVert increased his three-point attempts per game (4.6 attempts) with a 46.6% three-point percentage.
Although Cleveland was knocked out in the first round, blame cannot fall on LeVert. He scored more points per game (15) in the playoffs than in the regular season (12.1). He also averaged 33.9 minutes per game in the playoffs with a 49.2 Field Goal percentage and 2.6 assists per game.
LeVert benefits from being a veteran with a track record of adapting to various roles. He can start, some off the bench, be a playmaker, and be a scorer. His low-maintenance personality and on-court versatility might make LeVert intriguing to teams that aren’t shopping for superstars (or their contracts).
Weaknesses
As Nets fans know best, durability should always be a concern with LeVert. Despite finally being healthy for an entire season last year, LeVert is no lock to stay healthy in the future. According to Fox Sports, LeVert has missed time due to knee, ankle, back, calf, and hamstrings (among others) issues.
Another potential issue is that LeVert has never been the focal point of an offense of a winning team. He’s thrived as a dynamic scorer playing alongside stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Mitchell. Will a team be willing to invest significant money in LeVert without knowing if he can carry an offense?
Potential Fits
One team that could gamble on LeVert’s upside? The San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have the third-most cap space in the league this offseason and can offer LeVert more minutes than teams like the Cavs. Although the team is rebuilding, San Antonio should look to acquire players to become trade assets. Also, LeVert has a good reputation and could be an excellent locker-room presence for potential first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama.
LeVert’s offensive prowess could fit nicely with the Boston Celtics. Boston wants more offensive firepower to truly compete for a championship. LeVert knows what it takes to play for stars and would be a great third to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Caris LeVert is a key free agent that Cleveland needs back. Since the team controls LeVert’s Bird rights, it will be surprising if he doesn’t end up back with the Cavs. NBA Free Agency is often a wild time, but likely not wild enough for LeVert to change teams.
