With Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a solid foundation of stars that can keep the team competitive for years to come.
But as those guys continue their ascension, it has shed some light on the future of Collin Sexton, who averaged 16 points per game this season.
According to a new report, the Cavs could use Sexton to acquire Jazz veteran Mike Conley Jr.
“Like the Rockets before them, the Jazz remain engaged in various trade conversations to retool around [Donovan] Mitchell,” Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer wrote. “Utah has explored a sign-and-trade scenario that would send veteran point guard Mike Conley to Cleveland in exchange for restricted free agent Collin Sexton, sources said. The Cavaliers wouldn’t appear to have a need for an additional point guard, and it seems unlikely that Conley would be the returning player Cleveland would prioritize if talks ever gained legitimate traction.”
Report: Jazz have explored sign-and-trade that would send Mike Conley to Cavs for Collin Sexton https://t.co/kleT2rJJCB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 13, 2022
It’s an interesting scenario, especially for Cleveland. At 34 years old, Conley does not fit the timeline of Cleveland’s current roster and it remains to be seen how he could help the Cavs meet their goals next season.
Still, if the Cavs can steal a couple of future draft picks in the deal, it might be a move worth making.
Regarding Sexton, various teams around the league have shown interest in the young stud, including the Pistons, Spurs, Lakers, and Heat. Wherever he goes, though, Sexton will be looking to get paid — and the Cavs have not been among the teams willing to meet his demands.
What made Sexton and his camp ultimately decline Cleveland’s offer was the amount of money guaranteed to him. According to sources familiar with their thought process, Sexton was hoping to sign a four-year, $100 million extension with the Cavaliers. Those same sources said both sides went back and forth over terms to keep Sexton in Cleveland long-term but nothing could come to fruition and eventually, the deadline passed.
Right now, the basketball world is waiting for news on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. As one of the biggest trade targets in NBA history, his trade demand has put the entire league on hold.
Collin Sexton is just one of many players who could be donning a new jersey next season.
