NBA Trade Rumors: Pacers Like Cavs' Collin Sexton amid Turner, Sabonis, LeVert Buzz

The Indiana Pacers reportedly like Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton as a potential return in a trade for Caris LeVert, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

Indiana reportedly sees the 22-year-old as a "terrific scorer, though the Pacers have not yet brought him up in the discussions they've had with Cleveland's executives."

Sexton is out for the season with a torn meniscus in his left knee, but the Pacers could take a long-term approach after a 12-16 start to the year. The team is reportedly considering becoming a seller before the Feb. 10 trade deadline while taking calls on LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, per Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz of The Athletic.  

Cleveland (16-12) is seeking its first playoff appearance since 2018 and could use a proven shooting guard like LeVert to replace Sexton in the lineup.

LeVert is averaging 15.5 points per game in his first full season with the Pacers, and he is always capable of taking over offensively. He scored 26 points in Indiana's latest win over the Dallas Mavericks, and he has topped 20 points in five of his 20 games this year.

He could provide a boost to a Cavaliers offense that ranks just 18th in the NBA in efficiency.

The 6'6" LeVert could also be a better fit for Cleveland in the backcourt than Sexton (6'1") alongside the 6'1" Darius Garland.

On the other hand, Indiana already has a bigger two-way guard in Malcolm Brogdon (6'5") but could use another perimeter scoring option. Sexton could fill that role after averaging 20.0 points per game for his career, including 24.3 points per game in 2020-21.

If the 2018 No. 8 overall pick can return to full strength from his knee injury, this suggested deal could be a win-win for both teams.