Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton has been cleared for full basketball activities with the start of free agency just a few weeks away, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Sexton will a restricted free agent this summer, with the Cavs owning the right to match any offer from another team. Still, his status is being closely monitored around the league as he moves toward a new contract.
Sexton led the Cavs in scoring in 2020-21 at 24.3 points, then again this past season at the time he went down with a torn MCL after just 11 games. At the time, Sexton was averaging 16.0 points, more than eight less than the previous season. But that’s only because he took less shots and proved he could fit alongside the likes of eventual All-Stars Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and All-Rookie first-teamer Evan Mobley.
It is believed that Sexton is seeking a deal that will pay him $18-$22 million annually, while the Cavs are thinking more in the $15-$18 million range. Per Charania, opposing teams have Sexton pegged at about $20 million per year for his next contract.
Sexton is represented by agent Rich Paul, who also represents Garland. That may or may not factor into negotiations with the Cavs. One thing we do know is Garland played his best stretch of basketball minus Sexton, and that may or may not factor into negotiations with Sexton from the Cavs’ end.
Either way, as we’ve relayed, multiple reports have suggested that the Cavs are determined to bring back Sexton. By all accounts, he would love to be back in Cleveland.
In the event things don’t work out, however, the Cavs acquired Caris LeVert at the trade deadline, giving themselves some assurance at the shooting guard position. The Cavs believe LeVert will be even better with a full training camp and season. Isaac Okoro also continues to develop and could be in line for a breakout season in Year No. 3 — much like the one experienced by Garland in his third season.
These are all things the Cavs and Sexton will both take into account as they enter the negotiation phase. On the bright side for both, Sexton is ready to train fully again.
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Sexton is a beast who eats, sleeps and breathes basketball.. Letting him go would be a mistake. Trading him would be okay, but the Cavs are definitely signing him. Dump Islam and use that money to make up the difference with Sexton. Osman has had way too long to develop into anything more than the journeyman he is.