Caris LeVert shot 39.2% on 3-pointers in 74 games with the Cavaliers last season.
Cleveland will maintain its backcourt depth with the return of reserve guard Caris LeVert for two seasons at $32 million, per multiple reports.
The deal became official on July 6.
Additionally, the Cavs agreed to a deal with free-agent swingman Georges Niang, per multiple reports. He reportedly agreed to a three-year, $26 million deal with Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers G Caris LeVert has agreed on a new two-year, $32 million contract, co-head of @CAA_Basketball Austin Brown tells ESPN. LeVert had career highs on three-pointers (127) and makes (39 percent) last season. pic.twitter.com/gercF8u3pq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023
Free agent F George Niang has agreed on a three-year, $26 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agents Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. Niang leaves Sixers for another Eastern contender. pic.twitter.com/PsF6euvmQV
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023
LeVert, 28, averaged 12.1 points per game last season, spending most of his time coming off the bench behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. He was still the Cavaliers’ fifth-leading scorer, shooting 39.2% from long range while also chipping in 3.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game.
Cleveland acquired LeVert in 2021-22 after he spent half a season in Indiana.
The moves improve the Cavs’ depth and gives them two proven veterans — and in Niang, a solid outside shooter — to go along with their young core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen following a 51-win season.
Niang, who played the past two seasons with Philadelphia, will be reunited in Cleveland with Mitchell, his former teammate for three seasons in Utah. Mitchell quickly responded to the Cavs’ move, posting “Minivan,” Niang’s nickname on his Twitter page.
YEEAHHHH VERT‼️‼️ https://t.co/Sbw12G9kiC
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 30, 2023
The 30-year-old Niang also has extensive playoff experience, something in short supply in Cleveland. Niang has played in 46 postseason games. He averaged 8.2 points and 2.4 rebounds for the Sixers last season. He’s also made 40% of his 3-pointers in his career.
Cavs general manager Koby Altman vowed he would not be making “sweeping” changes following Cleveland’s stunning first-round playoff exit. Altman, though, has addressed some major needs for the Cavs, who ended their postseason drought before being bullied and ousted by the New York Knicks in the playoffs.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
