Cleveland Cavaliers: 2021 NBA Draft Preview

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Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Draft Preview: The trade market

Collin Sexton has been at the center of trade rumors for weeks now, explicitly so since The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd reported (subscription required) that the Cavs were telling other teams he was “very available” in trade talks. Sexton is eligible for a contract extension this summer and will be a restricted free agent next summer, and the Cavaliers have to decide if he is a part of their long-term future at the salary he is likely to demand.

If not, then they could move him on draft night, acquiring another pick in the lottery as part of a deal for Sexton. Teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks all pick in the top 20 and could try to put a package together.

Larry Nance Jr. is another player to watch, as he is an elite defender who doesn’t kill you on offense and can defend anyone from big wings to centers. He is on an excellent descending contract, and isn’t on the same timeline as the young core the Cavaliers are building. Cleveland could move him for draft capital as well.

Finally, the Cavaliers could pick up more picks by trading down. What would the Orlando Magic have to offer to come up from five? The Thunder sit at the No. 6 pick and have the salary cap space to take on Kevin Love’s contract; could a deal be had there? The Cavaliers are a team to watch for potential draft-day trades.