Cavaliers NBA playoff odds: Caris LeVert trade increases Cleveland's chances of reaching NBA Finals to 9 percent via SportsLine Projection Model

The NBA's Trade Deadline is Thursday afternoon, but the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't want to wait that long to get some much-needed guard help with both Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio out for the season. Cleveland officially finalized a deal for Indiana guard Caris LeVert on Monday, sending out Rubio, a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick (via Houston) and 2027 second-rounder (via Utah) to the Pacers. The SportsLine Projection Model has upgraded the Cavs across the board.

LeVert had to pass his physical, etc., so he couldn't play Sunday when the Pacers faced the Cavaliers, which would have been pretty unusual in going against his former team just a few hours after a deal. He should be good to go Wednesday when Cleveland hosts San Antonio. LeVert grew up in Columbus and moved to Pickerington, Ohio, in second grade.

"Very excited to add a dynamic young player of this caliber & experience," GM Koby Altman said. "LeVert fits uniquely into our culture and his Ohio roots bring an immediate connection to our community. We look forward to seeing what type of impact he can make on this roster."

This season in 39 games, LeVert is averaging 18.7 points on 44.7 percent shooting along with 4.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds. He's not a star but a very solid player under contract through the 2022-23 season – the Pacers just kick-started their rebuild and will join the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs among teams with significant cap space in free agency this summer. LeVert was previously involved in a deal with the Cavs, part of a four-team trade when he and current Cavs center Jarrett Allen were with the Nets and Brooklyn got James Harden from Houston.

Cleveland has been a huge surprise this season at 33-21 and just a game out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Caesars Sportsbook oddsmakers give the Cavs odds of +2000 to win the Eastern Conference and +4000 for the NBA title.

The SportsLine Projection Model has increased Cleveland's percentage shot of winning the East to 9.1 percent (which is about +990 on the moneyline) and 2.5 percent for the NBA title (equates to +3900). Cleveland had been +6000 for the title at Caesars before this deal.

"Cleveland is in a great position, and adding a guy like Caris LeVert very well could push them to the top," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. The Cavs and Pacers started exploratory discussions shortly after Rubio tore his ACL in late December.

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