Cavs trade rumors: Collin Sexton trade more likely than Ricky Rubio move

In Cavs trade rumors, a “rival NBA executive” believes a trade of Collin Sexton is more likely than sending Ricky Rubio’s contract elsewhere.

This nugget comes from Hoops Wire, after author Sam Amico broke down a report from The Athletic, in which reporter Shams Charania wrote about the Cavs building a deal around Rubio’s $17.8 million expiring contract.

Amico went on to to write how Sexton has “drawn strong interest from the Pacers,” while Cleveland is still interested in Indiana wing Caris LaVert. Amico also wrote the Cavs are focused on “the team on the court, for the time being…” Obviously, this doesn’t bode well for fans hoping to see the team lock up the injured Collin Sexton long term.

Sexton is set to hit the free-agent market this offseason, so if he’s dealt to the rebuilding Pacers, the move would obviously be to retain him on a new contract.

LaVert is an obvious fit for the Cavs, as the team is desperate for help on the wing. LaVert is averaging 17.8 points and 4.0 assists per game.

Cavs trade rumors: More on Rubio

As for Rubio, nobody liked watching him run the point more than me. When next season rolls around, the Olympian will be 32 and coming off major knee injury. My guess is the Cavs would like to keep him, but to do so, Rubio would have to accept a major drop in salary.

Free agency can be crazy. Perhaps some team makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Unlikely, but never say never.

As for Chania’s trade chatter, which had the Cavs building a deal around Rubio’s contract and draft assets…Expiring deals are still very valuable in the NBA, because that money comes off the books at the end of the season.

Amico noted that if the Cavs were to make a trade like this, they’d be looking for a player who could help them now and in the future. Indiana, Sacramento and Portland are all teams that could be looking to devour picks ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.