Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton is “very available” on the trade market, sources tell Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. It’s not the first rumor that Sexton might be on the move before the start of next season, but it provides some insight into the team’s strategy as it prepares for the draft and free agency.
Sexton, 22, is coming off a brilliant third NBA season that saw him average 24.3 points per game. He will be eligible for a rookie scale extension during the offseason, which is why Cleveland is exploring trade offers. It may take a $100M deal to keep restricted free agent center Jarrett Allen, and the Cavs don’t want their roster to become too expensive before they’re ready to contend.
Lloyd calls Sexton “a fine NBA player,” but doesn’t see him being worth max money. He notes that backcourt partner Darius Garland was chosen ahead of Sexton for a spot on the U.S. Select Team, which indicates how both players are viewed around the league.
Lloyd asked a rival executive if a package including Sexton and veteran forward Kevin Love could be enough to get Ben Simmons from the Sixers, but the executive believes Philadelphia will get better offers.
Sexton’s contract situation is dragging down his trade value, Lloyd adds. Another source told him the team should have tried to move Sexton last offseason to avoid the current lack of leverage and it’s unlikely that Cleveland will get a pick in the top half of this year’s draft in return.
Lloyd adds that Sexton will only be with the Cavs in training camp if they can’t find an acceptable offer.
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