Cavs trade chatter: Don’t make this Golden State deal for Collin Sexton
A new rumor involving the Cavs seems to crop up every day, as Cleveland tries to figure out how to use the third pick in the 2021 NBA Draft to accelerate the franchise’s rebuild, which is entering its fourth year.
They’re trading up. They’re trading down. They’re trading for a veteran. If you can think of a scenario, it’s been reported, by credible outlets, no less.
The latest rumor comes from WKYC-TV Cavs podcaster Evan Dammarell, who wrote the Warriors are interested in Collin Sexton. While there’s intrigue there, Golden State doesn’t want to give up the No. 7 pick, according to Dammarell.
He elaborated, tweeting a hypothetical scenario in which the Warriors get Collin Sexton, while the Cavs get the Warriors 14th overall selection. OK. Sexton for No. 14 is too much, but here’s where it falls apart for me: Dammarell suggested the Cavs could try to trade picks Nos. 3, 14 and one-to-two future first-round picks to Detroit for Cade Cunningham.
Call me crazy, but this sounds awful. Sexton in a deal that nets a first-round pick sounds great, but 14 isn’t enough. Then the idea of Sexton and No. 3, plus future first rounders? No thanks.
Cunningham is the best player in the draft, but I think back to what Bobby Marks said a few weeks back while on ESPN’s Cleveland Tonight: That there’s not all that big of a gap between Cunningham and Jalen Green and Evan Mobley.
Then, I look at The Athletic’s two-round mock, which published Friday. In it, the Cavs get Mobley with the 3rd pick. Author Zach Harper added that the Cavs could be active, but not with the third pick.
"“The Cavs are probably locked in on Mobley at No. 3. Acquiring extra picks in this draft would be ideal for them, and it probably doesn’t happen by trading down. The obvious move to make them a playoff team right now doesn’t seem to be there.”"
Go ahead and translate that a bit further, and giving up future picks doesn’t exactly mesh.
As for Mobley–the USC big man has probably become my preferred choice, slightly edging out Jalen Green. In another draft, he could very well be the No. 1 overall selection.
The idea of teaming Mobley with Jarrett Allen is something I’d like to see on the court, while solely Darius Garland running point would truly generate some excitement within the fan base.
Next. 3 terrible Sexton-to-the-Knicks trades. dark
The Cavs can’t overthink this. Mobley can be great and Sexton will have trade value at the deadline if you don’t deal him now.