The Cleveland Cavaliers are not willing to go over the salary cap this season and that’s the biggest reason they did not come to an agreement with Collin Sexton, per Evan Dammarell of Right Down Euclid.
Collin Sexton wants $20 million per season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, on the other hand, tabled an offer of $40 million for three years. So, the dynamic guard is still a free agent with no team having real interest to sign him now.
The report argues that the Cavs aren’t exactly lowballing Sexton here. It just so happens that this is all they can offer him at the moment. With the contracts of Jarrett Allen and the looming extension of Darius Garland, Cleveland is lacking the financial flexibility to sign Sexton.
Technically speaking, they could pay Sexton the money he wants, but they are just unwilling to do so because of the luxury tax penalties they will be required to pay. Cleveland could, of course, make moves to generate space.
However, Dammarell notes Sexton won’t receive the money he demands even if the Cavs free cap space by dumping the contracts of Cedi Osman and Dylan Windler. The Cavaliers seem to have a more long-term approach in the situation.
They would like to hold their future flexibility for the max contract of Evan Mobley, who will be eligible to sign in two years from now, in addition to Garland’s max extension that will kick in next season.
Moreover, a report surfaced recently claiming Cleveland will be positioning themselves to make a run for LeBron James next summer if he becomes a free agent. James is about to decide if he will sign a two-year extension with the Lakers until 4th of August.
With that in mind, Sexton is unlikely to receive any offer that is close to what he demands from the Cavaliers. It remains to be seen if there is any team which could put the Cavs in position to decide on Sexton.
However, as of now, there is minor interest in the four-year guard.