What players make as much as Sexton was offered by Cavs?

What players make as much as Sexton was offered by Cavs?

There are a number of other players across the league that make about as much as Collin Sexton was offered. Patrick Beverley is the polar opposite of Sexton in strengths and weaknesses, an offensive role player who is a defensive menace; Sexton can score in buckets but his off-ball game and defense are quite suspect. Beverley is playing out a one-year, $13 million contract extension.

Terrence Ross and Gary Harris, both of the Orlando Magic, are shooting guards making about $13 million (Ross averages $13.5) that are generally thought of as helpful bench guards. Sexton may boast more upside, but the Cavs also haven’t seen him thrive in a smaller role like both Ross and Harris has.

Brook Lopez is a fascinating example. He is a reliable starter with an elite skill (shot-blocking / rim protection) and the outside shot to unlock lineups around Giannis Antetokounmpo, but his age, position and injury history depressed his value and he signed a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks for $13 million a year. He has far outplayed that number, but at the time the Bucks couldn’t offer any more under cap rules. The Cavs and their proximity to the luxury tax are likewise saying something similar in contract negotiations.

Finally, the example of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is interesting to look at. He hit restricted free agency and the Detroit Pistons renounced his rights, letting him hit unrestricted free agency. He signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers before inking a longer deal that averaged $13 million per season. He played well enough to earn a new deal with a slight raise up to $15 million with the Denver Nuggets.

Three things stand out from this survey of players. First, that flawed and talented bench players do make around this number. Second, when you hit free agency matters. Finally, it’s rare to sign such a deal and then parlay that into a significantly higher contract number down the road.