What Does Caris Levert Do For The Cavs? Week 15 Power Rankings

What do the Top 10 teams in the NBA need ahead of the deadline? Who won the Caris Levert trade? I answered both those questions and more in my weekly power rankings.

Grading The Caris Levert-Cleveland Deal

The trade deadline is starting to heat up. Yesterday, it was reported that Caris Levert was heading to Indiana. Here’s what I think of this deal.

Cleveland Receives: Caris Levert / 2022 2nd RP (via Miami)

Indiana Receives: Ricky Rubio / 2022 Lottery Protected FRP / 2022 2nd RP (via Houston) / 2027 2nd RP (via Utah)

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have been rumored to shake things up for months. All of their best players are open for discussion. Levert is the first domino to fall. The return for him looks promising.

While the only player they got back is the injured, expiring Ricky Rubio, the draft picks are solid. Since the Cavs are good, that lottery-protected first-rounder should stay in Indiana.

The 2022 second-round pick from Houston is essentially another first-round pick. The Rockets have the third-worst record in the NBA, so that pick is essentially another first.

Indiana frees up some cap space in this move. They are currently $26 million below the cap. Ricky Rubio is likely not going to be a Pacer past 2022. Indiana nets two first-round picks, and this likely isn’t the last we’ll hear about them before the end of the deadline.

Solid move all around for a team looking to reboot.

Grade: B+

Cleveland Cavaliers

The surprise team of 2022 is going all in. Garland, Mobley, and Allen are the pillars of this franchise. Now it’s time to build around them.

Season-ending knee injuries to Rubio and Sexton made the Cavs’ offense flat. They needed more scorers and creators. No offense to quasi-scorer Cedi Osman, but they needed more. Caris Levert provides that and then some.

Levert is averaging 18.7 points and 4.4 assists on 45% shooting. He is a good mid-range scorer and someone who can create his own shot. He could also turn into another ball-handler for the Cavs, something they also need.

Levert’s fit with the Cavs is funky. He’s not much of a catch-and-shoot threat, so I don’t know how he’ll fit into an offense where Garland constantly has the ball. I will be intrigued to see how they incorporate him into their offense.

Levert has two years left on his contract, earning $17-18 million per year over that time. At 27 years old, he’s in line for another contract extension. I’m sure Cleveland will give it to him, but what does that mean for their other youngsters?

Are they going to keep Sexton? Isaac Okoro’s role just shrank, so will he get extended? These aren’t DEFCON 5 level problems, but they are things to ponder for the future.

Caris Levert undoubtedly makes this team better. His added offensive kick is a great help to a weak offensive unit. The team with the easiest second-half schedule just got some help. Look out for the Cavs.

Grade: A-

Week 15 Power Rankings

From Boston’s need of a point guard to pondering what Dallas will do, here’s one thing every top 10 team needs before the February 10th deadline.

#10 – Boston Celtics

Record: (30-25)
Offensive Rating: 109.5 (19th)
Defensive Rating: 105.5 (4th)
Net Rating: 4.0 (6th)

Trade Deadline Need: Floor General

The Celtics have been on a roll. Ever since my post about them two weeks ago, they have turned their season around. A shortened rotation with more veterans has spurred Boston to have the best defense over the past 15 games. With an 11-4 record in their last 15 games, the Celtics might want to go all-in.

To do so, they need a true floor general. Since Kyrie left, they have futility tried to give their All-Star wings a facilitator. Marcus Smart is decent, but he can’t be the main guy for them to succeed. They need a pass-first player.

The player I keep thinking of is Tyus Jones. Ja Morant’s backup is one of the better guards in the NBA. Jones has an assist to turnover ratio of 5.65, one of the best in the league. He shoots 37% from downtown. He’s not a bad defender. This pairing would be a match made in heaven.

Memphis Receives: Aaron Nesmith – Romeo Langford – 2023 2nd RP (via POR)

Boston Receives: Tyus Jones

Jones is hitting the open market this offseason. The Grizzlies might want to capitalize on his value. The Celtics are giving up some young pieces, although they have been reluctant to develop them. If Boston could get their hands on Jones, they would immediately become better.

#9 – Philadelphia 76ers

Record: (32-21)
Offensive Rating: 111.5 (12th)
Defensive Rating: 108.9 (11th)
Net Rating: 2.6 (10th)

Trade Deadline Need: More Shot-Creators

Joel Embiid is having another season for the ages. The 76ers are in the playoff hunt solely because of Embiid. If they want a deep playoff run, they have to make a move.

When Seth Curry is your second-best offensive threat, you need some help. Unless Tobias Harris turns things around, this team needs more creators. The 76ers won’t trade Ben Simmons unless they’re getting James Harden in return. Assuming that happens in the offseason, if ever, what can Philly do in the meantime?

Their trade assets aren’t spectacular. With Shake Milton missing the last two months, they don’t have too many assets. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Danny Green, Andre Drummond, and an injured Shake Milton aren’t appealing, right?

And if they want Harden, they can’t shell out major draft capital. Even though they can’t waste Embiid’s brilliance, I don’t know if they’re willing to make a move.

Some trade targets could be Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson, or De’Anthony Melton. These three options would help Philly, but again, are they willing to make a move like this?

(Probably not)

#8 – Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: (33-21)
Offensive Rating: 109.8 (18th)
Defensive Rating: 105.3 (3rd)
Net Rating: 4.5 (4th)

Trade Deadline Need: More Ball-Handlers

I know they just got Caris Levert, but more offense couldn’t hurt. They still have just two capable ball-handlers on the roster. They’ve tried out Kevin Pangos, Cedi Osman, and Brandon Goodwin, all of whom aren’t good enough to cut it.

Rajon Rondo is ok, but another creator couldn’t hurt. Some under-the-radar guys could be Mychal Mulder, Damion Lee, or Dennis Smith Jr. Again, not big names, but serviceable ones who can bridge the non-Garland minutes.

Or Caris Levert could go ballistic. That would also solve this problem.

#7 – Milwaukee Bucks

Record: (34-21)
Offensive Rating: 112.3 (5th)
Defensive Rating: 108.4 (9th)
Net Rating: 3.9 (7th)

Trade Deadline Need: A Center

Brook Lopez played 28 minutes against the Nets on opening night. He hasn’t played since that game in October, nursing a back injury. Lopez is progressing from surgery, but the Bucks need some frontcourt depth.

With Lopez out, Bobby Portis has been their starting center. In turn, the Bucks have had a poor bench all year long. Inconsistent play from Connaughton and Matthews has been highlighted without Portis off the bench. Donte DiVincenzo has had a hard time recovering from offseason ankle surgery.

Waiting for Lopez isn’t a terrible idea, but it’s not a bad idea to trade for another center. DeMarcus Cousins didn’t do much, but something along those lines isn’t a bad idea.

Zach Collins, Larry Nance Jr, and Chimezie Metu are buy-low options. The Bucks need Lopez’s defense in time for the playoffs. In the meantime, some added help couldn’t hurt the defending champs.

#6 – Dallas Mavericks

Record: (31-23)
Offensive Rating: 110.1 (16th)
Defensive Rating: 107.1 (5th)
Net Rating: 3.0 (9th)

Trade Deadline Need: Offensive Creators

Jason Kidd has turned the Dallas Mavericks into the 2004 Pistons. Under Rick Carlisle, the Mavs were an offensive powerhouse. This year, the tables have turned.

Luka Doncic getting into better shape (and staying out of foul trouble) will help the offense, but Dallas is faced with the same problems as years past. Doncic will be a force in the playoffs, but he needs more help.

Jalen Brunson is breaking out. Kristaps Porzingis has been solid when healthy. Other than that, there aren’t many creators.

Tim Hardaway Jr. has been one of the most disappointing players in the NBA this year. Reggie Bullock is a catch-and-shoot threat. Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber don’t do much. More help for Luka is needed to win their first playoff series in a decade.

Harrison Barnes, Jerami Grant, and Buddy Hield are all viable options. The problem is, the Mavericks don’t have the assets to get those guys. Brunson is their best asset, but they can’t trade him. He’s their second-best asset!

Kings Receive: Dwight Powell – Sterling Brown – Josh Green – 2024 FRP

Mavs Receive: Harrison Barnes

Is that enough to get Barnes? The Kings would be stupid enough to do this even if it wasn’t enough, but Dallas simply doesn’t have assets to facilitate a move they need to become contenders. Similar to Philly, they have to make a move, but I don’t know if they can.

#5 – Chicago Bulls

Record: (33-20)
Offensive Rating: 112.6 (4th)
Defensive Rating: 111.1 (20th)
Net Rating: 1.5 (13th)

Trade Deadline Need: Frontcourt Depth

No team has been hit harder with injuries than the Bulls. Lonzo Ball is recovering from knee surgery. Alex Caruso is waiting to see Grayson Allen in a dark alley sometime soon. Derrick Jones Jr. and Patrick Williams have hardly played this year.

An already weak frontcourt has been holding on for dear life. Nikola Vucevic is the only thing keeping this team from falling in the deep end. Big names like Jerami Grant have been floated around for weeks, but I don’t think that’s necessary. The Bulls don’t need another star. They need depth.

Kyle Anderson, Xavier Tillman, Trey Lyles, and Derrick Favors shouldn’t be too hard to acquire. They aren’t stars, but they would provide much-needed depth.

#4 – Miami Heat

Record: (34-20)
Offensive Rating: 111.8 (7th)
Defensive Rating: 107.5 (6th)
Net Rating: 4.3 (5th)

Trade Deadline Need: More Depth

Miami somehow survived long stretches without Butler, Adebayo, and Lowry. Now that they’re fully healthy, they sit atop the Eastern Conference. Their stout defense and run & gun offense have been great all year. My main concern with them remains depth.

When the Heat were injured, they relied on an unusual cast of characters. Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin, Omer Yurtseven, Max Strus, and Kyle Guy were the glue that held the Heat together. To win a championship, they need to do better.

The Heat’s core is older than most other contenders. Having less mileage on Lowry and Tucker’s body before the postseason is vital to their success.

Miami’s assets aren’t great. They don’t have a first-round selection until 2024. Duncan Robinson has been in trade talks before, but his play has drastically improved from the start of the year.

Miami’s hopes for improved depth lie in a washed-up Victor Olaidpo, which is not ideal. They survived the regular season with limited depth, but what about the postseason? That question remains for Miami.

#3 – Memphis Grizzlies

Record: (37-18)
Offensive Rating: 112.1 (6th)
Defensive Rating: 108.4 (8th)
Net Rating: 3.7 (8th)

Trade Deadline Need: Upgrading Already Solid Positions

The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the most complete teams in basketball. Their roster features so many great role players, some of whom don’t get enough playing time simply because there are better guys in front of them.

To be honest, Memphis doesn’t have to make a move. More star power is the only way to improve their roster. They don’t need more role players.

Steven Adams has been solid, but what about Domantas Sabonis?
Dillon Brooks is fine, but how’s Jerami Grant doing?
Dillon Brooks is fine, but how’s Harrison Barnes doing?

Memphis is the most exciting team in the NBA. They have Sportscenter Top 10-worthy plays every single night. I would put some money that they’re going to win at least one playoff series, probably two.

Do they need to make a move? No. Would it be fun? Yes.

#2 – Golden State Warriors

Record: (40-13)
Offensive Rating: 111.7 (10th)
Defensive Rating: 103.5 (1st)
Net Rating: 8.2 (1st)

Trade Deadline Need: Nothing

The Warriors don’t need anything at the deadline. Klay Thompson is starting to feel like his old self again, making this team even more dangerous. Once Draymond Green returns, expect their lagging offense to pick up the pace.

If Steph Curry gets out of his major shooting slump? If that were to happen, I don’t see how you could beat this team.

#1 – Phoenix Suns

Record: (42-10)
Offensive Rating: 112.8 (3rd)
Defensive Rating: 105.1 (2nd)
Net Rating: 7.7 (2nd)

Trade Deadline Need: Added Punch Off The Bench

Since the 1996-97 NBA season, there have only been three teams that rank top 3 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The Suns are one of them. The other two are the 2015 & 2017 Golden State Warriors. Both those teams went on to win the title.

Phoenix has been dominating the rest of the league. Even with Deandre Ayton battling injuries, this team won’t slow down. If they have one flaw, it’s their bench unit.

Cameron Payne has been terrible this season, jacking up poor shots. The rest of the bench can’t score much on their own. As much as I love Landry Shamet, some bucket getters off the bench isn’t a bad idea.

Eric Gordon, Terrence Ross, and even Rodney Hood are potential targets for Phoenix. I wouldn’t mind seeing a trade like this before the deadline;

Phoenix Receives: Terrence Ross

Orlando Receives: Dario Saric – 2026 2nd RP – 2023 2nd RP

Ross is a streaky shooter, but he gives the Suns another weapon off the bench.

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What Does Caris Levert Do For The Cavs? Week 15 Power Rankings