3 Cavs transactions that might be waiting on LeBron James

3 Cavs moves that might be waiting on LeBron James: Collin Sexton deal

After months of publicly reaffirming their love for one another, the Cavs and Collin Sexton have had no reported progress on a deal since free agency began. As a restricted free agent, the Cavaliers can match any contract Sexton signs with another team, likely dampening the market and limiting his options.

The Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs are the only two teams with functional cap space, but neither has made a move to sign Sexton. Perhaps that is because they’re not interested, but it could also be that Sexton isn’t meeting with other teams because he knows he is coming back to the Cavs.

Whatever the setup, why hasn’t something happened yet? It could be because of the long-term contract implications. First, if the Cavs sign Sexton to a high enough number without offloading salary somehow they could be in the luxury tax this season, which means even more punitive measures if they stay there in subsequent years. Additionally, whatever money Sexton is owed next season cuts into their max salary slot.

If LeBron James coming to Cleveland is a serious option, then the Cavs will likely make sacrifices elsewhere in order to maintain the cap space next summer to sign him. If it is not, and James signs the extension with the Lakers, then they can back off trying to finagle resources to stay ready and instead move forward as a crew.