CLEVELAND — Pickerington Central grad Caris LeVert didn’t think he would play in the NBA, let alone for his home-state squad. A decade after leading Pickerington Central to an OHSAA title, he could be part of another title-winning team. 

What You Need To Know

  • Caris LeVert has joined the Cleveland Cavaliers after a trade with the Indiana Pacers

  • LeVert won a 2012 OHSAA title with Pickerington Central

  • LeVert was drafted in 2016 after spending four seasons at Michigan

  • LeVert fills a backcourt void left by the injuries of Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio

On Monday, LeVert was officially traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Indiana Pacers, in exchange for Ricky Rubio, a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick.

With the Cavs’ surprise ascension up the Eastern Conference standings, LeVert could play a key role for the squad trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018. LeVert’s addition should help keep the Cavs near the top of the East despite season-ending injuries for guards Collin Sexton and Rubio. 

“It is a crazy feeling,” LeVert told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “I have gotten a lot of love over the last couple of days from the fans and family members and things like that. I am still taking it in. I am blessed to be here with a great team, great coaching staff.”

LeVert said he watched Cavaliers games growing up. 

“Obviously, I was a fan, fan of the players, but it was never, ‘Oh, one day, I am going to play for the Cavs,’” he said. “I would have loved to, but I am here now. It is crazy.”

LeVert is looking forward to reuniting with center Jarrett Allen, who was his teammate in Brooklyn. 

“Just like old times,” LeVert said after wrapping up practice on Tuesday. “We had that chemistry going back to his rookie year and my second year. It’s amazing to see his growth on and off the court. I am so proud of him and what he has become in this league.”

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff discussed the team’s chemistry when he first talked to LeVert as the trade was being finalized. 

“Our chemistry is at an all-time high and we didn’t want to disrupt that,” Bickerstaff said. “Him as a person was important to us that we know we are getting the right guy. The basketball piece to it, he fits a need. His ability to put the ball on the floor, play make, create for himself, feed his man, create for others, he is going to help everybody, take some pressure off [Darius Garland], help our big guys. He is a great fit for what we have.”

LeVert joins the roster after scoring 42 points against the Bulls last Friday in his final game with the Pacers. 

The Cavs are 1.5 games out of first in the East with a 33-21 record.

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