As the Milwaukee Bucks began trimming their roster, Caris LeVert was one of the players firmly under a spotlight. After all, he is just one of three players over the age of 30 on the roster and wasn't a clear fit with the rest of the group. Yet, surprisingly, LeVert remains a Buck past the deadline, as the team's surprising decision to cut Kevin Porter Jr. marked him safe. Still, his role is likely just as depth.
LeVert can be useful depth off the bench
Even after cutting Porter, Milwaukee's guard room is still full. Beyond the starting duo of Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro, they have Brayden Burries, Kasparas Jakucionis, AJ Green, and Gary Trent Jr. All of those players will almost certainly be ahead of LeVert in the pecking order. The only way he will be on the floor often is if someone misses significant time for any reason.
LeVert's role will revolve around being a depth piece, which also carries a leadership component that cannot be overlooked. Throughout camp, LeVert's leadership was on display, whether he gave praise to a player or someone else highlighted the impact he had on them. Having that type of presence is important for a young team that is largely inexperienced.
Even if he's not putting up big numbers or playing at all, LeVert still has a part to play for these Bucks.
He's a likely trade candidate down the road
Perhaps one of the reasons the Milwaukee Bucks wanted to keep LeVert, in addition to the leadership he brings, was his contract.
While no one was banging down Milwaukee's door to absorb his expiring $14.8 million salary right now, perhaps that could change down the road. Later this season, the Bucks could go into asset-collection mode and take on a longer salary (and draft capital) for LeVert. With no long-term ties to the veteran, a team could clear their books by acquiring him.
The OKC Thunder helped fuel their rebuild by embracing this tactic, and the Milwaukee Bucks should look to do the same as they embark on this new journey.
There is no telling what the future holds. Maybe LeVert bounces back from last year's subpar season and has a story to tell with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, for now, he should firmly be slotted in as a depth piece behind Milwaukee's talented cache of younger, potential-filled guards.
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