5 things to know about Caris LeVert, the newest Cleveland Cavalier

The Cavaliers added a needed backcourt playmaker on Sunday, acquiring Caris LeVert from the Indians Pacers ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

The losses of Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio to season-ending injuries had led to Darius Garland having the ball in his hands for more minutes per game than any other player in the NBA this season aside from James Harden. Garland turned that opportunity into an All-Star selection, but the Cavs were sorely needing to address the backcourt.

Enter LeVert, who is under contract through next season at $18.8 million. The Cavs added his salary and a 2022-second-round pick (via the Miami Heat) in exchange for Rubio's expiring deal — attractive to the Pacers for financial flexibility moving forward — a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2022 (via the Houston Rockets) and 2027 (via the Utah Jazz).

From Ohio roots to a medical scare to a connection to some big names in R&B, here are five things to know about the newest Cavalier:

LeVert's beginning in basketball was in Ohio

The trade that brought him to the Buckeye State a few days ago is somewhat of a homecoming. LeVert grew up in Columbus and moved to Pickerington early in his childhood before attending Pickerington High School Central. As a senior in 2012, LeVert led Pickerington Central to a 26-2 record and a Division I state title. He then originally committed to Ohio University, but when coach John Groce (now at the University of Akron) left for Illinois, he switched his commitment to Michigan.

LeVert was part of the trade that brought Jarrett Allen to Cleveland

As time passes, the four-team deal that involved Harden and brought Jarrett Allen to the Cavaliers in January of last year looks more and more like a major win. LeVert and Allen were teammates with the Brooklyn Nets, with the former heading to the Pacers before being reunited with his former teammate in the recent trade. Allen has since signed a five-year, $100 million extension and become a key piece to the Cavs' long-term future.

Ridenour: Cavaliers must seize the moment after Caris LeVert trade, capitalize on 'chance to do something special'

The trade that sent LeVert to the Pacers might have saved his life

As part of the four-team trade that sent LeVert to the Pacers and Allen to the Cavs, every player in the deal had to undergo a physical. LeVert's led to an MRI that revealed a small mass on his left kidney. Further tests revealed that it was renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. He noted at the time that he felt 100 percent healthy. Without the trade, the mass wouldn't have been discovered as quickly.

LeVert has a 50-point game under his belt

LeVert carries a career average of 14.7 points per game, but his scoring production has elevated in the past several years. He has averaged 18.7 points per game this season with the Pacers and last year eclipsed 20 points per game for the first time in his career. He's also in the 50-point-game club, having poured in 51 points on March 3, 2020, in a 129-120 win for the Brooklyn Nets over the Boston Celtics. Most of it — 37 points — came in the fourth quarter and overtime. Cavaliers guard Rajon Rondo said on Monday that LeVert is the kind of player who can "erupt" for a high-scoring game on any given night.

LeVert has a family connection to the O'Jays, other R&B groups

Caris LeVert is the third cousin of Eddie LeVert, the lead vocalist of the Ohio-based R&B group The O'Jays, known for several hits, including "Love Train." A connection also exists between Caris LeVert and Gerald LeVert, the son of Eddie and a member of multiple groups, including LSG. Gerald LeVert passed away in 2006.

Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Cavs at www.beaconjournal.com/cavs. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 5 things to know about Caris LeVert, the newest Cleveland Cavalier