Indiana Pacers: Re-grading the four-team trade last season involving Caris LeVert

Last season, the Indiana Pacers made an uncharacteristic midseason swing. Following a string of reports regarding two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo‘s desire to move on from the Circle City, which was further bolstered by him rejecting a max extension, the front office forced their way into the trade market, receiving Caris LeVert as his heir apparent.

As part of an exhaustive four-team deal with superstar James Harden at the crux of the trade engine, the Pacers managed to fly under the radar as one of the deal’s undisputed winners. While the Brooklyn Nets are justifiably front and center by snagging another marquee player to complete their terrific Big Three, receiving a fringe All-Star player and draft compensation in return for their disgruntled All-Star’s expiring deal is a huge win for Indiana.

The Indiana Pacers struck gold with Caris LeVert in last season’s blockbuster trade

However, in true Indianapolis fashion, LeVert’s early foray donning the Blue and Gold was as mortifying as it could be. After all, the 27-year-old, who was entering his prime, had a cancerous mass detected in his physical, casting a cloud over the team’s future and more importantly, his own career. Fortunately, LeVert managed to return to court after a couple of months and finished the campaign with a career-high in scoring.

Entering next season, LeVert will be banked on to carry a significant role on the team. His scoring, playmaking and improved defense will all be critical as the Indiana Pacers attempt to mount a competitive bid in the ever-improving East. In view of the above, we regrade the four-team trade which brought him to the Circle City last season.