The Cleveland Cavaliers made quite a splash in NBA free agency. After NBA rumors linked them to a handful of potential additions, the Cavs were able to bring in a trio of fresh faces ahead of the new season — and it didn’t come for cheap either.
Equally important to their new recruits, if not even more integral, is the fact that they were able to hold on to Caris LeVert despite reported interest from opposing teams. The 28-year-old agreed to a two-year extension with Cleveland for $32 million, which obviously, is no small amount. However, given what Caris brings to the table for the squad, there’s no denying that this is a worthwhile investment for them.
Caris LeVert Wanted To Stay In Cleveland
According to team insider Chris Fedor of cleveland.com, LeVert actually turned down multiple offers from opposing teams in order to stay in Cleveland. In the end, the 6-foot-6 forward’s loyalty to the squad outweighed whatever offers were on the table for him:
“LeVert is the linchpin in Cleveland’s free agency class. Sources say LeVert was garnering interest from numerous rival teams. Some were preparing more lucrative offers. Others were set to provide more security than just two years. But LeVert wanted to stay. He talked about it with decision-makers during his exit interview and spoke about it publicly during his end-of-season farewell,” Fedor wrote.
You have to note that Caris pocketed $18.8 million in salaries last season. His new deal will allow him to earn roughly $16 million a year, which is significantly lower than his income in 2022-23. Perhaps he could have earned more than he did last season if he opted to move on to greener pastures. He chose not to.
Caris LeVert Will Be Key Piece For Cleveland In 2023-24
The big recruit for Cleveland in free agency has to be Max Strus, who agreed to a massive $63 million contract for the next for years. They also brought in Georges Niang ($26 million for three years) and Ty Jerome ($5 million for two years). However, keeping LeVert was of utmost importance for them, and Cleveland fans will be glad to know that it’s mission accomplished for the team in that respect.
Much like the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cavs were also relegated to a first-round exit in the playoffs last season. Cleveland will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming season and LeVert will be a key piece for them. The Bucks retooled this summer and the same is the case for Cleveland. It would not be a surprise if these two Atlantic Division rivals end up facing off in the postseason — perhaps even in the Eastern Conference Finals.
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