Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Collin Sexton has recently found himself in the middle of trade talks.
Collin Sexton has been solid since entering the NBA in 2018, but it’s worth noting that he has also struggled to stay healthy. The former Alabama guard has appeared in 218 games over his four-year career. He has posted averages of 20 PPG, 3 RPG, and 3.3 APG. Sexton has shot 45.8% from the field and 37.8% from three.
The young guard is now on the hunt for a new deal. Sexton, who is a restricted free agent, is said to be looking for a four-year deal worth $84 million. The fourth-year pro is yet to sign an offer sheet.
After coming off of a season where he played just 11 games, the Cavaliers may be reluctant to give him a deal that large.
If Cleveland chooses not to give Sexton a new contract, another team could offer the young guard a deal.
A team that could be interested in Sexton is the Utah Jazz. The Jazz, who are currently in the middle of potentially trading their star Donovan Mitchell, could still make other moves.
Evan Dammarell of the Right Down Euclid, takes a look at how a potential deal could work out between the two teams. Dammarell has the Jazz using guard Malik Beasley as the centerpiece for a deal. Beasley, who was recently acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves, could be an option for the Cavaliers.
The one issue for both sides would be contracts. Dammarell writes:
“Unfortunately, there is a bit of an issue when it comes to agreeing to a possible sign and trade involving Sexton that would net Beasley. If a player is being signed and traded by a team above the salary cap, his cap figure for salary-matching purposes will be affected. For the team acquiring him, his full salary would apply in a trade. For the team trading him, meanwhile, he would count for his previous salary or 50% of his new salary, whichever is greater.”
The two teams attempting to figure out both salary and contracts for both players could lead to a trade not happening.
If a sign-and-trade were to happen, it would take flexibility from both sides. Cleveland may be better off just keeping the young guard. They have already put together one of the best young cores in basketball. He could be an integral piece to their success.