Both Caris LeVert and the Cleveland Cavaliers are considered to have complicated contract extension discussions.
As told by Cavs reporter Chris Fedor in his conversation with Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, he noted that an extended partnership is unlikely, with the inside brass expecting LeVert to ask for a big payday and his looming position in the team after the Donovan Mitchell trade stands uncertain.
I think, ultimately, it’s going to be hard for both sides to get an extension done because the feeling inside the organization right now is that Caris is going to want too much, and they don’t know what his role is going to be and how he’s going to fit with Mitchell coming on board. The Cavaliers are open to whatever. If they can get him on a team-friendly deal, I definitely think they’ll consider and explore it. I just don’t see an extension coming for LeVert.
LeVert, 28, was acquired by the Cavs in 2021-2022 midseason being expected to provide a much-needed scoring push for the young Cavs team, but he took a dip in that given facet, tallying 13.6 points in 19 games from the 18.7-points average he had prior to his exit in the Indiana Pacers.
As such, the landing of Mitchell gives LeVert an unknown place within the squad. Being a score-first player, it is likely that he’ll take a needed backseat and let other core pieces produce more. Other than that, his health and availability, in the long run, are subjects for assessment.
The Michigan product is entering a contract year, set to earn $18.7 million next season. His impending role and statistics will truly take a huge swing on how the market will perceive him as an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
