Caris LeVert out for indefinite period after small mass discovered on kidney

The four-team trade involving the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers got completed on Saturday, but there was a small hiccup in between during Caris LeVert’s physical.

The issue wasn’t clear at first but it was reported later that a small mass was discovered on his kidney. As a result, an additional second-round pick and cash considerations. The Pacers sent Victor Oladipo to the Rockets and got LeVert from the Nets, along with a second-round pick from the Rockets.

The Pacers announced the news on Sunday and said LeVert will “undergo further medical tests and more details will follow as needed.”

“We acquired Caris because of who he is as a young man first and foremost. His basketball skill and on court play speaks for itself and we know he has a great career ahead of him,” Pacers president Kevin Pritchard said.

LeVert also made a statement following this announcement and it read: “On behalf of my family and myself, we want to thank the Indiana Pacers for their support and guidance. We are grateful for their extreme thoroughness during the physical process and I am looking forward to joining the team and being part of this great organization as soon as possible.”

The 26-year-old has played 225 regular season games for Brooklyn Nets after debuting for them in the 2016-17 season. He has made it to the playoffs twice as well. LeVert didn’t have the best starts to his career in the first few seasons but his last couple of seasons has been pretty good. He averaged 18.7 points and 4.4 Assists per game in the 2019-20 season.

At present, there is no clear estimate on LeVert’s time of return to the court or period of recovery. But that is not important as this is more serious that any injury. This could have severe impact on his overall health but we need to be hopeful that he will recover soon.