Why the Dallas Mavericks cannot acquire Collin Sexton: Where does he end up?

If not the Dallas Mavericks, where does Collin Sexton play next season?

Sexton’s options are limited at this point. Most of the teams that needed a guard never had $20 million in cap space to offer the 23-year-old or they filled their needs through the draft or trades. Still, the eighth overall pick in 2018 wants to play and get paid next season, so what are his options?

Short of convincing the Pacers or Spurs to sign him, which seems unlikely this far into the offseason, Sexton’s representative, Rich Paul, can find a team willing to execute a sign-and-trade for his client, or he can go back to Cleveland. The Cavaliers acquired Lauri Markkanen after a similar situation last summer, so do not rule out a trade.

The Cavaliers can pay Sexton any amount, so re-signing is still his best option. Cleveland is holding the line in negotiations because they know the 6’1 guard’s options are limited. His best bet could be playing out the season for the $7.2 million qualifying offer and becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. Then, Sexton could sign with any team in the summer of 2023 and ensure he gets the money he wants.

Do not expect movement in the Collin Sexton market any time soon. Both sides appear willing to drag it out, and there are still roughly two months until training camp begins. Expect him to be back in Cleveland for at least one more year, and stay tuned to see if Sexton gets the deal he is searching for from the Cavaliers this summer.