Pros, cons of BR’s Sexton trade idea for Cavs and Mavericks

Final Thought on BR’s Sexton trade idea for Cavs and Mavericks

Collin Sexton is a talented basketball player, has great rapport with his teammates and is being squeezed by the market enough that the Cavs might be able to bring him back on a palatable deal. He is also coming off of a major knee injury, a tough defensive fit with their tentpole offensive star in Darius Garland, and not a player whose game looks very scaleable on offense.

Letting Sexton walk for nothing would be a tough pill to swallow, but sacrificing next season’s cap space for a large deal could look very bad in a year or two when it’s clear Sexton is unplayable in high-leverage situations alongside Garland. If Sexton isn’t willing to re-sign at a number in the 12-14 million range (and he shouldn’t if he can get more elsewhere), then a sign-and-trade is the best option for both sides.

Here the Cavs get a reliable 3-and-D wing to start at the 3 and be something of a veteran example for Ochai Agbaji. He brings experience in the league and in the playoffs, and his shooting will help open up the floor for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. He isn’t a perfect player, but he’s the quintessential 3-and-D player the Cavs have been missing. Adding in a first-round pick to take on Dwight Powell’s salary is fine, and it’s possible they could move him to Toronto or another center-needy team as the season goes along.

We’ve focused just on Cleveland so far, but this deal makes some sense for the Mavericks as well. Collin Sexton can work on filling the Jalen Brunson role, scoring as a secondary option with his defensive issues mitigated by playing the 1 and his passing skill compensated for by Luka Doncic’ elite playmaking.

Final Verdict: This seems reasonable for all sides, and possibly the best deal the Cavs get for Sexton. They should Do The Trade.