Collin Sexton Rumors: Pistons, Pacers Biggest Threats to Sign Cavs RFA; Spurs Linked

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com says that the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers are the biggest threats to get shooting guard Collin Sexton from the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency.

The San Antonio Spurs have some fans in their front office.

After missing all but 11 games during the 2020-21 season due to a torn meniscus, Sexton is set to be a restricted free agent.

The guard had a career year in 2020-21, shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three, while averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and a steal per game.

There are questions about whether a small backcourt of Sexton and Garland can hold up defensively, even with stout big men behind them.

Garland is the point guard of Cleveland. He was an All-Star this past season, posting 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 38.3% from three.

There is little doubt that Sexton can score, but Garland will be the one with the ball in his hands. How much will Cleveland pay for an undersized, off-ball scoring threat?

According to Fedor, the sense I get is that the Cavs are more comfortable in the range of $15-18 million.

Cleveland's front office doesn't believe there is a team willing to give Sexton a contract north of $20 million annually.

Will the Cavs match if the team exceeds $20 million? They currently have an active roster cap of $128 million, which is just above the projected $122 million salary cap before signing any incoming rookies.

Kevin Love's cap hit for the 2022-23 season will come off the books, so the Cavs may not be concerned about one season over the cap. A major Garland extension is on the way.

If his asking price is too high, the Cavs will let him sign elsewhere.

Adding a burst of instant offense would make sense since all three of the potential suitors are rebuilding around young cores. In Detroit, Indiana, and San Antonio, Dejounte Murray would likely play off the ball, with Cade Cunningham handling the point.

If those teams are willing to offer a big contract to him, he might leave the Cavs.