Dallas Mavericks have had conversation with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a potential sign-and-trade for restricted free agent Collin Sexton, Chris Fedor revealed during the Wine and Gold Podcast (h/t Hoops Hype).
Fedor has previously reported the Cavaliers did not see a way on concluding a deal with either Dallas or Utah as Cleveland did not see any player of value in both team’s roster to take back in a trade.
Dallas seems to have interest in the scoring guard after losing Jalen Brunson in free agency. Spencer Dinwiddie potentially will assume a starting role, but, the Mavs are lacking depth in the ball-handler role with Doncic and Dinwiddie as the only options.
Sexton situation did not change the last few weeks. The scoring guard demands starting guard money, while the Cavaliers are not willing to give him more than what they already offered, which reportedly is around $40 million for three years.
Sexton is among the most prominent free agents remaining available, along with the likes of Dennis Schroder, Jordan Nwora and several veteran centers like DeMarcus Cousins and Dwight Howard, who have yet to find a deal.
Sexton has averaged 20.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, playing in 218 games in four seasons with Cleveland. But with the emergence of Darius Garland and the trade of Caris LeVert last February, Cleveland does not need to keep a player like Sexton in the roster.
Along with Dallas, the Utah Jazz have expressed strong interest in signing Sexton if they sorted out the situation with Donovan Mitchell, per Sam Amico of Hoops Wire. While other teams like the Heat were referred as potential destinations.
Sexton only played 11 games coming off a career 2020-21 season, where he averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds per contest. Despite missing their best scorer, the Cavaliers ended up with a 44-38 record and reached one win away from the playoffs.
