After securing their franchise player on a long-term deal, the Washington Wizards have to be feeling better about the future of their team.
Without having to worry about Beal or where he might land, they can put all of their energy into building the best possible team around him.
Apparently, they already have a few names in mind, one of which is Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here’s the report by Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico:
Sources have told Hoops Wire that negotiations between Sexton and the Cavs have not been contentious — but a fairly large gap remains. An agreement is not expected to be reached anytime soon, sources predicted.
Sexton is a restricted free agent, meaning the Cavs can match any offer from another team and keep him. But for Sexton, no other offers have been floated, and we’re more than a month into free agency.
The Jazz are closely monitoring the Sexton situation, and the Wizards are among those with him on their radar, sources said. The Cavs want him back. For now, though, the Cavs’ philosophy appears to be this: “Here’s our offer. Go ahead and see if you can do better.”
According to Sam Amico, Sexton is seeking upwards of $20 million per year for his new deal. The Cavaliers’ current offer is for $40 million over three years.
For Cleveland, the belief seems to be that Sexton will not get a better offer, which is why they fully expect him to re-sign. Still, in Washington, he could thrive in a backcourt with one of the game’s best shooters.
For a team that has been irrelevant for most of its existence, the Wizards desperately need something to shake up the status quo. 23-year-old Sexton could be the piece they’ve been looking for.
