Caris LeVert Biography: NBA Journey, Age, Height, Health Scare Recovery, Recent Stats, Salary, Family & Career Impact
Caris LeVert is an American professional basketball player currently competing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, widely recognized for his versatile scoring ability and elite playmaking. Since being drafted in 2016, his Caris LeVert biography has become a story of immense resilience, transitioning from a standout collegiate star at Michigan to overcoming a life-threatening health scare that redefined his career trajectory. In this deep dive, we explore his evolution from a late-blooming recruit to a cornerstone of the Cleveland backcourt, detailing his stats, salary, and the impact he continues to make on and off the hardwood.
Quick Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Caris Coleman LeVert |
| Nickname | Baby Durant, Vert |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player (NBA) |
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years 9 months old years old |
| Birthplace | Columbus, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 6’6″ (198 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | University of Michigan |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Parents | Darryl LeVert (Late) and Kim LeVert |
| Siblings | Darryl Jr. (Brother) |
| Known For | Scoring versatility, Sixth Man impact, overcoming kidney cancer |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $35 Million – $45 Million |
| Years Active | 2016–Present |
| Current Team | Cleveland Cavaliers |
Early Life & Education
Childhood
Caris Coleman LeVert was born on August 25, 1994, in Columbus, Ohio. Growing up in a sports-centric environment, Caris was heavily influenced by his father, Darryl LeVert, who was a graphic designer and a high school basketball player himself. His mother, Kim LeVert, worked as a teacher. The family resided in Pickerington, a suburb of Columbus, where Caris and his brother Darryl Jr. spent countless hours honing their skills on local playgrounds.
A defining moment in his childhood was the sudden passing of his father in 2010. This tragedy occurred when Caris was only 15 years old. This loss forced him to mature quickly, and he began using basketball as both an emotional outlet and a pathway to provide a future for his mother and brother.
School Years
LeVert attended Pickerington Central High School. Interestingly, he was not always the blue-chip prospect many would expect of an NBA star. He was a “late bloomer” who stood only 5’11” during his freshman year before a significant growth spurt propelled him to 6’4″ by his senior year.
In 2012, he led Pickerington Central to a 26–2 record and the Ohio Division I state championship. Despite his success, he was only a three-star recruit. He initially committed to Ohio University under coach John Groce, but when Groce left for the University of Illinois, LeVert reconsidered his options.
University & Training
LeVert eventually committed to the University of Michigan, playing under John Beilein. His tenure at Michigan was marked by flashes of brilliance interrupted by injury. During his freshman year (2012–13), he was a reserve on the team that reached the NCAA Championship game.
By his sophomore year, he emerged as a starter, averaging 12.9 points per game. However, his junior and senior seasons were plagued by three separate foot injuries. Despite the medical red flags, his skill set—specifically his ability to facilitate as a “point-wing”—kept him high on NBA draft boards. He graduated with a degree in Health Policy and Analysis, showcasing his dedication to academics despite his athletic workload.
Career Journey
The NBA Draft and Brooklyn Nets Era (2016–2021)
The Indiana Pacers selected Caris LeVert with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft but quickly traded his rights to the Brooklyn Nets. LeVert entered the league recovering from foot surgery, making his debut in December 2016.
His time in Brooklyn was defined by steady improvement. He became the face of the Nets’ “rebuilding” phase alongside D’Angelo Russell. By the 2018-19 season, LeVert was averaging nearly 19 points before suffering a gruesome-looking dislocated foot. Miraculously, he returned the same season to lead the Nets in the playoffs. His peak Brooklyn moment came in early 2020 when he scored a career-high 51 points against the Boston Celtics, including 37 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.
The Trade and Life-Saving Health Scare (2021)
In January 2021, LeVert was part of the blockbuster four-team trade that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. LeVert was sent to the Indiana Pacers. However, during the routine physical required to finalize the trade, Pacers doctors discovered a small mass on his left kidney.
The diagnosis was Renal Cell Carcinoma—a form of kidney cancer. Because it was caught so early (due to the trade physical), it was treatable. On January 25, 2021, he underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor. He returned to the court just two months later, a feat that many considered the most inspiring “win” of the NBA season. This health scare recovery became a central pillar of his legacy, turning him into an advocate for regular medical screenings.
Joining the Cleveland Cavaliers (2022–Present)
In February 2022, the Indiana Pacers traded LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This move brought him back to his home state of Ohio. With the Cavs, LeVert transitioned into a “Swiss Army Knife” role. Whether starting at small forward or coming off the bench as a Sixth Man, his ability to create shots for himself and others became vital for a young Cleveland team featuring Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
In the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, LeVert solidified his position as one of the league’s premier bench scorers. His chemistry with the “Twin Towers” (Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen) helped Cleveland maintain one of the best defensive ratings in the league while benefiting from his secondary playmaking.
Career Stats Table
| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | BKN | 57 | 8.2 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 45.0% |
| 2018-19 | BKN | 40 | 13.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 42.9% |
| 2020-21 | BKN/IND | 47 | 20.2 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 44.1% |
| 2022-23 | CLE | 74 | 12.1 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 43.1% |
| 2023-24 | CLE | 68 | 14.0 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 42.1% |
| 2024-25 | CLE | 55* | 13.5 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 43.5% |
*Projected/Partial Season Data
Net Worth & Earnings
As of 2025, Caris LeVert’s net worth is estimated to be between $35 million and $45 million. The bulk of his wealth comes from his NBA contracts.
- NBA Salary: In 2023, LeVert signed a 2-year, $32 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This followed a previous 3-year, $52 million deal signed with the Nets.
- Endorsements: LeVert has a multi-year footwear and apparel deal with Jordan Brand. He also partners with local Ohio businesses and health-related brands, given his history with kidney cancer.
- Investments: Like many modern NBA players, LeVert has diversified his portfolio into tech startups and real estate in the Columbus and Cleveland areas.
- Charity: He is active in the “Flip the Switch” initiative and frequently donates to cancer research foundations.
Personal Life
Family Background
LeVert remains extremely close to his mother, Kim. He often credits her for his work ethic, noting that she worked two jobs to support the family after his father passed away. His brother, Darryl Jr., played college basketball at Connors State College and remains his closest confidant.
Relationships & Dating History
Caris LeVert is known for being incredibly private regarding his romantic life. He has not been publicly linked to any high-profile partners and rarely shares details of his personal relationships on social media, preferring to focus the spotlight on his career and family.
Hobbies, Interests & Lifestyle
When not on the court, LeVert is a fan of graphic design—a passion he inherited from his father. He is also an avid gamer and follows European soccer closely. His lifestyle is relatively low-key compared to other NBA stars; he often spends his summers training in Miami or back home in Ohio.
Awards & Achievements
- NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week | 2020
- All-Big Ten Second Team | 2014 | Big Ten Conference
- NBA Rising Stars Challenge Participant | 2018
- Ohio State Champion (High School) | 2012 | Pickerington Central
- NBA Community Assist Award Nominee | 2021 (For health awareness)
Physical Statistics
- Height: 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
- Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 ft 10 in
- Body Type: Athletic, lean-muscle build
- Fitness Routine: Focused on “pre-hab” for his feet and core stability to prevent recurring lower-body injuries.
Quotes
“The trade literally saved my life. I didn’t have any symptoms. I was playing 30 minutes a night. You never know what’s going on internally.” — Caris LeVert on his 2021 diagnosis.
“I just want to be a guy that my teammates can count on every single night, whether it’s scoring, defending, or just being a leader.” — Interview with Cleveland Media, 2023.
Favorites
- Food: Chicken Alfredo
- Color: Blue (Michigan roots)
- Movie: He Got Game
- Book: The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant
- Travel Destination: Turks and Caicos
- Sport (Other than Basketball): Football (Cleveland Browns fan)
Interesting Facts
- Late Growth Spurt: Caris grew nearly 7 inches between his freshman and senior years of high school.
- The “Trade Discovery”: If he hadn’t been traded for James Harden, his kidney tumor might not have been found for years.
- Michigan Connection: He played alongside future NBA stars Tim Hardaway Jr., Nik Stauskas, and Glenn Robinson III at Michigan.
- Jersey Number: He has worn #22 for much of his career to honor his college days.
- Multi-Sport Talent: In middle school, he was an exceptional tennis player before choosing to focus solely on basketball.
- Graphic Design: He can use professional design software and often critiques the aesthetics of NBA jerseys.
- Foot Injuries: He underwent three surgeries on his left foot before the age of 22.
- 50-Point Club: He is one of the few players in Nets history to score 50+ points in a single game.
- Clutch Performer: He is statistically one of the most efficient isolation scorers in the NBA during “clutch time” (last 5 minutes of a close game).
- Community Hero: He frequently hosts basketball camps in Pickerington, Ohio, for underprivileged youth.
Did You Know?
- Did you know Caris LeVert was originally committed to Ohio University before switching to Michigan at the last minute?
- Did you know he played his first game back after kidney surgery only 52 days after the procedure?
- Did you know LeVert recorded a triple-double for the Cleveland Cavaliers while coming off the bench?
Social Media
- Instagram: @carislevert
- X (Twitter): @CarisLeVert
- Facebook: Caris LeVert Official
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How old is Caris LeVert?
As of 2025, Caris LeVert is 31 years 9 months old years old.
Q2: What was Caris LeVert’s health scare?
In 2021, a physical during a trade revealed a cancerous tumor (Renal Cell Carcinoma) on his left kidney. He had surgery and made a full recovery.
Q3: What is Caris LeVert’s current salary?
He is currently on a 2-year, $32 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning roughly $16 million per year.
Q4: Which college did Caris LeVert attend?
He played for the University of Michigan Wolverines from 2012 to 2016.
Q5: Is Caris LeVert still with the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Yes, as of the 2024-2025 NBA season, he is a vital part of the Cavaliers’ rotation.
CONCLUSION
Caris LeVert’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of physical and emotional adversity. From the loss of his father to a life-saving cancer diagnosis, he has consistently turned setbacks into setups for greater success. Today, he stands as a crucial leader for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a symbol of hope for athletes worldwide. As he enters the prime of his career, his legacy is defined not just by his points on the scoreboard, but by his resilience off the court.
Source Data: NBA Official Profiles, Basketball-Reference, Cleveland Cavaliers Team Records, University of Michigan Athletics.
