The trade that sent Caris LeVert to Indiana ended up saving his life.
As part of a routine physical after the blockbuster deal that landed James Harden in Brooklyn, the Pacers’ medical team discovered a mass on LeVert’s kidney. It was announced Tuesday that the mass was in fact cancer — renal cell carcinoma on his left kidney — and that LeVert underwent surgery on Monday to remove the growth.
The Pacers said no additional treatment is needed and that LeVert is expected to make a full recovery. He is out indefinitely.
LeVert ended up in Indiana after the Rockets rerouted the former Nets star to the Pacers for Victor Oladipo.
It is unclear, and maybe a stretch, whether LeVert will return to the floor this season, and when he spoke to reporters after officially joining the Pacers post-trade earlier this month, he said getting his health right is top priority. The Pacers approved the trade with the knowledge of the mass on his kidney.
“We acquired Caris because of who he is as a young man first and foremost,” said Pacers president Kevin Pritchard. “His basketball skill and on court play speaks for itself and we know he has a great career ahead of him. We will support Caris through this time and know that he will join us on the court as soon as he is able.”
The Nets reportedly sent a second-round draft pick and cash to the Pacers due to the findings of LeVert’s physical.
