Collin Sexton: I’m 100 Percent Healthy, Happy To Be With Jazz

Everyone talks about Donovan Mitchell when it comes to the big trade between the Cavaliers and Jazz, and that makes sense. Mitchell is a three-time All-Star.

But the Jazz also have some pretty high hopes for Collin Sexton, a key part of the trade for Utah. Along with Sexton and a bunch of draft picks, the Jazz received Lauri Markkanen and rookie Ochai Agbaji in the deal.

Both Sexton and Agbaji met with reporters in Salt Lake City on Tuesday (Markkanen is playing in the FIBA EuroBasket), with both indicating they are excited to be with the Jazz. In fact, both said they actually intend to enjoy the beautiful state of Utah to its fullest, being outdoorsy types and all.

As for basketball, again, the Jazz have big plans for at least Sexton. He could vey well become the new face of the franchise, helping to steer it through the rebuild. Last season, he missed all but 11 games after suffering a torn MCL in November.

But Sexton said he is 100 percent healthy now, per Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune. That is good news for the Jazz, as Sexton averaged 24.3 points with the Cavs in 2020-21, proving that he’s a young player who can always fill it up. And after trading Mitchell, the Jazz are gonna need some points. Sexton can fill that void immediately.

Welcome to Utah, @CollinSexton02 ? @utahjazz pic.twitter.com/4CILpKEE8n

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 10, 2022

As an added bonus, Sexton also proved in a small sample size he could take a step back for the good of the team, if that’s what is needed. In his 11 games last year, he averaged 16.0 points — all so he could be a better fit. The Cavs appreciated him for that and the Jazz likely will too.

He began the summer as an unrestricted free agent, but the Jazz are signing him to a reported four-year, $72 million deal.

As for the trade itself, Sexton is represented by Rich Paul (who also representes fellow Jazz newcomer Talen Horton-Tucker), and Sexton said he left it all up to his agent. He said Paul told him to just stay ready.

It appears Sexton is doing exactly that, with training camp just a few weeks away. He is enjoying the Jazz, enjoying the idea of playing again, and seemingly excited to take in all Utah has to offer. When you’re traded, that’s about as good as it gets.