On February 7, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season was sandwiched in the middle. Earlier today, the Cavaliers and Pacers struck a deal. The Cavaliers sent Rubio and three draft picks to Get LeVert.
Specifically:
Cavaliers sending: Rubio, 2022 first-round picks (lotto protection), 2022 second-round picks (from the Rockets) and 2027 second-round picks (from the Jazz);
Pacers sending: LeVert and 2022 second-round picks (from the Heat).
It's no secret that the Cavaliers love LeVert. In the middle of the season, LeVert averaged 31.1 minutes per game, averaging 18.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 0.9 steals, shooting 44.7% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range! The Cavaliers will be LeVert's third team to play after the Nets and Pacers.
On the Cavaliers side, Rubio has previously determined the season reimbursement due to a knee injury. The Cavaliers are currently ranked No. 4 in the East and are one of the NBA's biggest dark horses this season. They are intent on making a difference in the playoffs, and the deal is a testament to the Nets' ambitions. The Pacers will be Rubio's fifth team to play after the Timberwolves, Jazz, Suns, and Cavaliers.